It’s going to be a beautiful weekend here in Madrona and we have some beautiful wines to go with it. We have recently rediscovered Italian Chardonnay (fresh, unoaked with no malo) and it has become a new summer favorite. We also have two Italian reds ready if you are firing up the grill. And Monday is Bastille Day so we had to take a nod to France. Years ago the American Revolution helped inspire the French one. Maybe today the roles should be reversed. At least that is something to ponder while sipping a chilled rosé. Here’s what’s going on.

Friday

2022 La Gerla, Poggio gli Angeli $20
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Tuscany

A fresh Summer red you can put a slight chill on. The gil Angeli comes from younger organic vines in the Brunello zone, aged in Slavonian Botti for 4 months. Think of this as a baby Rosso di Montalcino, perfectly medium bodied with crushed red cherries and wild herbs. Organic

Saturday

2022 Cascina del Santuario, Langhe Chardonnay $16
Piedmont, Italy
Light straw-yellow with greenish undertones. Broad, intense with banana, pineapple, honey and caramel hints. Full, harmonic and slightly savory, with a pleasant finish.

2019 Gurrieri, Cerasuolo di Vittoria $21
60% Nero d’Avola, 40% Frappato
Sicily
Very aromatic on the nose, there is a bright red fruit quality that accompanies a pretty, floral note, yet a core of dark fruit and damp earth rings through as well. On the palate, there is a wonderful combination of body, freshness, fruit character, and earthy drive, counterbalanced on the palate with soft but noticeable tannins. Organic

Sunday —Get ready for Bastille Day

2024 Domaine de la Chapelle Saint Victor, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rosé $18
50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah
Provence
Crisp, bright and juicy. The palate is nicely dry with richness and good concentration to the tangy pit fruit and citrus notes. The finish is long with underlying salinity and mineral notes.

Happy Bastille Day — No Kings!