This Saturday we are focusing on the northeast of Italy where the higher altitude vineyards bring out uniquely interesting characteristics in the wines.  Come taste the wines and see for yourself.
 
2016 Colterenzio, Colterenzio Sauvignon Blanc Prail $18
From the Südtirol region of the Alto Adige, in the calcareous soils of the cool rolling hills, Sauvignon develops elegance and an abundance of captivating aromas reminiscent of elderflower, gooseberry and delicately scented herbs.  The grapefruit, lemon and fennel seed character is impressive on the nose and palate. The wine has a medium to full body and bright acidity with a lemon rind aftertaste.
 
2016 Castel Sallegg Schiava  $17
Castel Sallegg is located between the peaks of the Dolomite Alps in the area around Lake Caldaro. Their Schiava a local varietal has a charmingly uncomplicated scent with notes of cherry, violet, a hint of bitter almonds and fine herbs and spices. It is pleasant and fine on the palate with a subtle acidity and mild tannins, with notes of raspberry in the finish.
 
2015 Castel Sallegg, Lagrein $18
From sand and loam soils alongside the Lake Caldaro, Castel Sallegg’s Lagreinn is fragrant, full of dark-berried character alongside licorice and tannins. A wine full of character, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, elder and liquorice, it is powerful on the palate, with distinct tannins and a certain fruitiness in the long finish.  It marries well with braised or grilled meats.
 
2015 Roeno di Fugatti, Teroldigo $12
Cantina Roeno is located in the heart of the Valdadige, on the border between Veneto and Trentino.  They specialze in local varitals like Marzmino, Enatio and in this case Teroldigo.  The wine has aromas of African violets, roses, and plums.  Black cherry and raspberry fruit, plums, and even notes of pomegranate, make Teroldego a unique experience. A touch of bitter black fruit on the finish cleanses the palate and makes you ready for the next sip.
 
2014 Zeni,  Costalago Rosso Veronese $15
Lake Garda and the surrounding hills were formed during the Wurmian ice age, the last of the four ice ages of the quaternary era. Corvina and Corvinone grapes have been cultivated for centuries in these hills on the eastern or Veronese shore of the lake. They are joined in Costalago (meaning “lake shore”) by a small percentage of Cabernet and Merlot, adding strength to the elegance of the native varieties. This wine derives its particular character from the use of the “double fermentation technique” that enriches it with greater body and intensity.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.