This Saturday we are traveling the length of Italy from the north in Veneto to Campania in the south and several stops in between.  We’ll also be dipping into our favorite organic olive oil.  It’s a tasty traverse. Come along.
 
Le Manzane, Conegliano/Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. $19.
Glera
Le Manzane is in the Morainic hills of Prealpi Trevigiane beteween Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, between 200 and 300 meters above sea level. The grapes are hand harvested.  They undergo temperature-controlled fermentation on lees for 3 months giving it texture and structure.  This cut above Prosecco received Two Becchiere from Gambero Rosso.  It has a fine perlage, delicate fruity aroma with hints of bread crust, with floral nuance.
 
Cantine Federiciane,  Gragnano  $19
Aglianico, Piedirosso, Sciascinoso
A deep sparkling red from Campania! Gragnano is gently frizzante (sparkling), low in alcohol, perfumed of violets, with a distinct taste of grapes and nuances of berries. It has a slightly sweet vein balanced by savory & bitter notes. The wine has notes of blackberry, plum, cherry, and a note of bitter lemon on the finish.  11% alcohol by volume 
 
2012 Tombacco, Biferno Rosso Riserva  $14
80% Montepulciano, 20% Aglianico
Biferno is a tiny appellation in the center-south of Italy in Molise.  The Riserva has appreciated after time spent aging in both barrel and bottle and the result is an aromatic and seductive wine with cherry and floral lift, but a deep, plum and licorice richness of fruit and silky texture, the tannins mellowed into a gentle, rounded wine.  Let it sit in the glass a few minutes (or decant) before drinking
 
2016 Tombacco, Aglianico del Beneventano  $14
From Campania in in Southern Italy, Tombacco’s Aglianico is big, rich, warming and smooth. Hints of cherry and red berries, with a marked vanilla and spicy note lead into an excellent mouth feel, elegant and warm, sapid and full bodied with some spice on the long finish.
 
2012 Tenuta San Vito, Madiere  $30
60% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
Tenuta San Vito in picturesque Tuscany is set amongst groves of olive trees and the vineyards which they tend organically. The Madiere expresses rich, lingering aromas of wild, red berries and spice, harmoniously-balanced on the palate with flavors of strawberries, cherries and black currants. The wine has a round texture, a full body and velvety tannins.  Organic
 
Petrizzelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil  $18
The Petrizzelli is made exclusively from the Coratina Olive, a very small, low-yielding varietal that rewards those who have the patience to work with it. Organic

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.