Spring has arrived here in Madrona.  And after a few days of Summer we are back to the usual pleasant mix of sun and showers.  The days are as long as the nights.  It is the perfect weather for tasting wine.

Saturday we are in Veneto with wines from Contra’ Soarda and Vignalta.  Contra’ Soarda, besides making great wine has herd of small donkeys that they use to work the steep vineyards.
2016 Vignalta, Sauvignon Blanc IGT Delle Venezie $18
2017 Contra Soarda Breganze Vespaiolo $20
2015 Contra Soarda, Veneto Rosso Gaggion $20
2014 Contra Soarda, Veneto Rosso Musso Ettaro Marzemino $24
Pinot Nero, Marzemino, Merlot
2010 Vignalta,  Marrano  $30
50% Cabernet, 50% Merlot

Sunday we head to Austailia.
2018 Yalumba, Y Series Viognier $11
South Australia
Aromas of white flowers and honeysuckle dominate the nose, with ginger and five spice to finish. The white flowers and ginger lead into a creamy mid palate with a silky textural finish. The wild fermentation and lees aging give the wine an extra level of complexity on the palate.
2015 Pikes, Los Compañeros  $15
80% Shiraz, 20% Temperanillo
Clare Valley Australia
Los Companeros greets the nose with seductive blueberry fruit framed by suggestions of chocolate, mint, earth, and spice. On the palate, this wine is rich and dense yet approachable. The concentrated dark fruit and chocolate are tempered nicely by fine, silky tannins and balanced acidity.

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.