Spanish wine history dates back to around 1100 BC when the Phoenicians founded the trading post of Cádiz in southwestern Spain, though many archaeologists believe that grapes were first cultivated sometime between 4000 and 3000 BC, much before the wine-growing culture of the Phoenicians. Come taste this history with us!
2017 Bodegas Ontañon “Akemi” Rioja Blanco $15
Viura
A collaboration between Michelin-starred Kiro Sushi Restaurant in Lagroño and Bodegas Ontañon. Akemi means “beauty of dawn” in Japanese and Viura is an indigenous white grape varietal from Rioja – known in other parts of Spain as Macabeo. The wine is dry with an attractive warm richness with lots of Asian Pear flavors and a saline note. What a surprise — this would go great with sushi! 12.5% alcohol by volume
2016 Campos de Risca Jumilla $13
From the sunny arid part of SE Spain known in Spanish as the ‘Levante’ this tasty red is 100% Monastrell (aka Mourvédre). Intense and a deep red Bordeaux color. The nose shows aromas of dried and some fresh fruits, red berries but also dried figs and prunes. The palate is explosive but full of soft fruit and tannins.
2016 Domino de la Abadesa Ribera del Duero Crianza $19
90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha
From high-elevation vineyards on the northern plateau just north of Madrid. Ontañon gives the Crianza a long maceration with 12 months in American Oak (60%) and French Oak (40%) barrels, both used and new, followed by 12 months in bottle prior to release. Fresh and firm, with dusty cocoa, underbrush and licorice notes framing the black cherry and red currant fruit. Keen acidity and well-integrated tannins give this red nice focus. Sustainable
2016 Costers del Priorat “Petit Pissarres” $22
60% Garnacha Tinta, 40% Samsó (Carignan or Mazuelo)
Petit Pissarres is derived from the word “Pizarra” which is “slate” in Spanish, and this delicious Priorat is almost revelatory in that it’s not nearly as massive as most reds from this fast-rising region. Intense red with purple tones. It has a very fresh aroma, full of flowers and red fruits sensations that are confirmed in the palate and finishes cheerful and lively!
Bodegas Grant Oloroso “La Garrocha” 375 ml $14
Situated in El Puerto de Santa Maria and popularly known as Bodegas Las 7 Esquinas (7 Corners Winery). Its origins go back to 1841 when it was founded by Edmundo Grant Falconell. Their label, La Garrocha, refers to a famous dance performed with a stick while on horseback. This Oloroso which spent nine years aging through the Solera system is dry and rich with a dark color and a penetrating hazelnut bouquet.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 3-5 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.