Thanksgiving is here and this Saturday we have arraigned a fine line up of wines to match heavy feasting.  Come pick something out to go with the holiday meal.  And don’t forget the Underberg.
 
Son of Man Sagardo Basque style Cider  $15
The 2018 Sagardo is the result of an exclusive collaboration between cidermakers Jasper Smith of Portland, Oregon and Guillermo Castaños of San Sebastian, Spain. Made from fruit grown in the Hood River and Willamette Valleys, the cider is spontaneously fermented by native yeasts and bottled unfiltered and unfined.  It ferments for four months in massive kupelas (American oak foeders) before it’s ready to drink.  It is a thirst quencher with clean, bright acidity, a touch of salinity and a soft tannic structure. Aromas of pineapple and tropical fruit lead to fresh green apple on the palate, before a gently astringent finish. Shake well to reintegrate the fine lees before serving.  At 6% alcohol you can drink both before and during the meal.
 
2018 David Hill Estate Gewurztraminer  $21
Intentionally picked to retain acidity, this Gewürztraminer is crafted in a dry Alsatian style, which enhances the subtle spice aromatics of fennel and clove. On the palate, flavors of peach skin and honeydew contribute to a crisp clean finish.  It makes for a beautiful food pairing wine.

2016 Erste + Neue Kaltereresee Leuchternburg  $16
Schiava (Vernatch)
A light-bodied red with lots of cherry flavors and soft tannins from the German speaking part of the Tyrolian Alps. This is a single-vineyard wine made from Venatsch (Schiava) the smaller berried cousin to the Edelvenatch.

2015 Chateau de Javernand, Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes  $21
Gamay
This high-toned Beaujolais comes from the oldest vines on the estate.  It is a rich and full-bodied wine with plenty of the bright, full concentration that comes from old vines. At the same time, it has attractive layers of ripe plum and blackberry fruits.
 
2014 Château de Caraguilhes Corbiers Rouge $16
The Caraguilhis rouge is a delicious organic red showing juicy red and black fruit-flavors with a soft texture made from Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes. Corbieres is in the Pyrenean hill country where little other than grapes grow due to the exceptionally dry conditions.  It is packed with character, warmth and a soft, enticing texture, this fantastic organic wine has great depth and intensity. With juicy ripe red and black fruits comes subtle hints of wild herbs and sweet spice, along with a gentle savouriness from Mourvèdre in the blend. This is full of Gallic character and rustic charm.  Pass the Gravy!

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.

We are warming up for the holiday season here at the wine shop.  Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away and then we roll into December which is a fun time of year to be in the wine business.  Dodge the clouds and make your way into the shop to see what’s going on.

Saturday we have and especially festive line up for T-day and beyond:
2017 Pasquale Pelissero Nebbiolo Rosato Crose   $14
2016 Werner Näkel, Spätburgunder $40
Pinot Noir
2017 Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois La Bastide $17
Half Carignan and half Grenache with 5% Syrah,
2013 Fall Line Winery Cabernet Sauvignon $25
Giovanni Bosca Cardamaro Vino Amaro  $24

Sunday we are featuring two wines from Loire Valley winemaker Nicolas Idiart that would be great with the big bird.
2016 Nicolas Idiart Chenin Blanc  $14
This dry Chenin Blanc spent 10 months on lees in order to offer a plump mouthfeel with bright ginger-led core of yellow apple and fig with a mineral-tinged finish. Organic.
2018 Nicolas Idiart Pinot Noir  $14
This Loire Pinot is a great value.  Red berries with licorice and spices. It is harmonious and balanced, with a plump fruitiness and silky texture.

Wednesday, November 20th.
There are a few tickets left for the special Giovanni Rosso this Wednesday.

The wines of
Giovanni Rosso
With Davide Rosso
Wednesday, November 20th
6 to 8pm
Cavatappi Distribuzione, 4121 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134

 
Advance tickets are required for this event for $25 (plus tax) from Madrona Wine.
 
You get to try these wines:
2017 Giovanni Rosso Etna Bianco  $38
2016 Giovanni Rosso Etna Rosso  $55
2016 Giovanni Rosso Barbera d’Alba “Donna Margherita” DOC  $22
2017 Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo DOC  $25
2014 Giovanni Rosso Barolo DOCG  $50
2014 Giovanni Rosso Barolo ‘Del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba” DOCG  $65
2014 Giovanni Rosso Barolo Serra DOCG  $95
2014 Giovanno Rosso Barolo Cerretta DOCG  $95
2016 Ester Canale Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo DOC  $200
2015 Ester Canale Rosso Barolo Vigna Rionda DOCG  $450

= = =

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.

It is getting darker earlier, so we rounded up a selection this Saturday to put a little light in your evenings. Come in and snuggle up.
 
2017 Pasquale Pelissero Nebbiolo Rosato Crose   $14
100% Nebbiolo.
From 10 years old vineyards in the village of Neive Pasquale’s Rosé take a price drop just in time for Thanksgiving.  Make the family happy.  Was $19 Now $14
 
2016 Werner Näkel, Spätburgunder $40
Pinot Noir
Werner Näkel was chosen wine maker of the year in 2004 in the Gault-Millau.  In 2011, Fallstaff, the leading wine publication in Austria, chose Werner Näkel for its highest award: his life’s work in wine!  In 2008 Decanter Magazine bestowed on Meyer-Näkel the International trophy for Pinot Noir.  The estate takes its name from the 1950 marriage of Paula Meyer and Willibald Näkel who went on to cultivate 1.5 hectares of vines in the Ahr Valley. Näkel and then his son, Werner, bucked the trend in German winemaking to produce sweet wines and instead focused on making dry, red wines with Pinot grapes grown on steep hillside vineyards. Madrona Wine is a big fan of this winery.
 
2017 Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois La Bastide $17
Half Carignan and half Grenache with 5% Syrah,
Chateau Coupe Roses has been in the Le Calvez family since 1614.  It is situated on the high plateau around the historic village of Minerve – long considered one of the best sites in Minervois.  La Bastide has notes of red cherries and a touch of bitter plum. The palate is dry with bright, fresh acidity, soft tannins, and a round texture.
 
2013 Fall Line Winery Cabernet Sauvignon $25
Fall Line’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon consists of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Boushey, Artz, and Red Willow Vineyards. The wine has aromas of graphite, herb and red and black fruit lead to a soft palate backed by fine grained tannins.  And a special tasting price!!
 
Giovanni Bosca Cardamaro Vino Amaro  $24
This secret family recipe was developed over the last century by the Bosca Family. Using cardoon, Blessed thistle and several other botanicals, the Cardamaro is one of the most unique and interesting amaro currently available. It has aromas of cardamom, orange peel, brown spice, saffron; flavors of citrus, brown sugar, slight astringency, brandied orange peel; and a finish of more brown spice, golden raisin, and Grand Mariner.

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.

The wines of
Giovanni Rosso
With Davide Rosso
Wednesday, November 20th
6 to 8pm
Cavatappi Distribuzione, 4121 1st Ave S, Seattle

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to taste ten wines of Giovanni Rosso from their Piemonte and Etna estates. The wines will be presented by Davide Rosso direct from Italy.  Salume e formaggio will be on hand to refresh the palate. The tasting is from 6 to 8 on Wednesday November 20th at Cavatappi’s meeting space in SODO.  Copious parking available.  Here is a link to an article with more info about Davide. 
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/barolo-star-davide-rosso-on-sicily-mount-etna
 

Advance tickets are required for this event for $25 (plus tax) from Madrona Wine Merchants.

 
The wines:

2017 Giovanni Rosso Etna Bianco  $38
Wine Enthusiast: 94 points – Spanish broom, lemon drop and ripe orchard fruit are just some of the aromas you’ll find on this stunning white. The aromas carry to the linear, elegant palate, with additional tones of Meyer lemon, apricot, Mediterranean herbs and salt. Tangy acidity provides balance throughout.
 
2016 Giovanni Rosso Etna Rosso  $55
Wine Enthusiast: 93 points – Aromas of red berries, crushed mint and violet meld with eucalyptus and smoke on the nose. On the elegant, youthfully austere palate, it shows taut, refined tannins offset by flavors of Marasca cherry, strawberry compote and star anise alongside bright acidity. It closes on an alluring spice note.
 
2016 Giovanni Rosso Barbera d’Alba “Donna Margherita” DOC  $22
 
2017 Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo DOC  $25
 
2014 Giovanni Rosso Barolo DOCG  $50
Wine Advocate: 90 Points – The 2014 Barolo is characteristic of the vintage. This is a mid-weight Nebbiolo with bright aromas of candied cherry, cola, licorice and moist potting soil. These aromas come together with careful precision, and although the wine is compact in texture, it leaves a long and satisfying trail of silky, smooth tannins.
 
2014 Giovanni Rosso Barolo ‘Del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba” DOCG  $65
 Vinous: 91 Points – Davide Rosso’s 2014 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba is a delicious appellation-level wine. Deceptively medium in body, the 2014 packs quite a bit of punch, with plenty of Serralunga tannin enshrouding the fruit. Smoke, scorched earth, and licorice add to the wines virile expression of Nebbiolo. There is quite a bit to admire in this overachieving, village-level Barolo. Well done.
Wine Advocate: 91 Points – Starting with a slightly heavier footprint, the 2014 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba is a tightly knit wine that is packed carefully with wild berry, cassis and dried cranberry aromas. The fiber of the wine is slightly more robust compared to the annata 2014 Barolo that I tasted in this same flight. These wines by Giovanni Rosso are distinguished by the smooth consistency of their tannins.
 
2014 Giovanni Rosso Barolo Serra DOCG  $95
Vinous: 92 Points – The 2014 Barolo Serra shows off lovely depth for the year, with plenty of dark red cherry and plum fruit. Menthol, new leather, licorice and spice appear later, adding shades of nuance. Medium in body and yet resonant, with a bit more depth than some of the other wines in the range, the Serra is a complete wine. Silky tannins add a measure of near-term appeal, and yet there is a good bit of stuffing here as well.
 
2014 Giovanno Rosso Barolo Cerretta DOCG  $95
Wine Advocate: 92+ Points – From one of the most celebrated crus in Serralunga d’Alba, the 2014 Barolo Cerretta reveals a delicate but firm personality with pretty, intermingled notes of wild berries and fresh violets. This wine is still very much in a state of primary-fruit intensity with pretty brightness and glossy inner shine. This wine speaks to the most fruit-driven side of the vintage.
 
2016 Ester Canale Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo DOC  $200
 
2015 Ester Canale Rosso Barolo Vigna Rionda DOCG  $450
Wine Enthusiast 97 points – Earthy aromas of wild red berry, underbrush, new leather and tar come together on the nose of this delicious, enveloping red. The elegant, full-bodied palate delivers ripe brandied cherry, juicy raspberry, truffle, licorice and baking spice set against a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. It’s already impressive, but give it time to develop even more complexity. Drink 2025–2035.

Hubert Laugner is the 11th generation Vigneron in a long line of winemakers from the Laugner & Allimant families that dates back to the 1500’s! The vines are planted around the hillside vineyards of this far-eastern French region along the Rhine River. Hubert Laugner has both skills and well-preserved traditions to create this amazing Riesling. He specializes in blending vines of different ages to give character and structure to his wines. He tends to 26 acres of limestone soil with vines aging from 5 to 55 years old. He employs traditional vinification with the use of natural yeasts and no oak aging.
 
Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rosé $24
The Crémant Rosé is a sparkling wine produced in Alsace by the Champenoise method and made with 100% Pinot Noir. It is aged 11 months before disgorgement and is meant to be consumed while fresh and young. The grapes are the first to be manually harvested to keep the youthfulness and coolness of the citrus fruit flavors. And when you open it, you will be greeted by fresh aromas of strawberries and wonderful minerality. This is easy to drink with the light, creamy bubbles and a crisp, flowery tang.
 
2016 Sylvaner $17
The origin of this varietal was probably in Austria. Behind its light color we find a dry, fresh and fruity wine with citrus aromas. The mouth is open and pleasant, exactly the type of wine for shellfish, fish or oysters.
 
2017 Riesling $17
100% Riesling, fermented in stainless steel tanks and bone dry. The Riesling grape grows exceptionally well in Alsace and has developed its own style. The nose is full of notes of lemon, white flowers, and granny smith apples. The flavors are very fresh and clear, not sweet at all.  
 
2015 Grand Cru Riesling “Praelatenberg” $25
This single Grand cru vineyard has a terroir of granite and gneiss that brings a delicious minerality to the wine. Pale yellow color that offers fresh aromas of citrus on the nose, and a well-balanced mouthfeel that revels bright lemon and a fine veil of leesy yeast and a dry lip-smacking finish.

2017 Pinot Noir $20
This was probably the first grape imported from Burgundy during the middle age. It is still the only red wine we produce, a light, dry and fruity wine. The nose is full of red berries (cherries, redcurrants.)

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.

It is a crisp Autumn weekend here in Madrona.  We are getting ready to turn the clocks back on Sunday, getting a brighter morning and earlier night.  The Halloween costumes are packed away for another year. And, it is time to drink some wine. This weekend we are drinking wines from Greece and the Iberian Peninsula.  Walk up to the shop and join us.

Saturday, we have Greek Wines including three from the island of Crete.  No Minotaurs  were injured during the making of these wines.
2018 Alexakis Assyrtiko  $18
2018 Douloufakis Crete Vidiano Dafnios  $16
2016 Douloufakis Crete Liatiko Dafnios  $17
2016 Skouras Nemea Agiorgitiko “Saint George”  $18
2016 Alpha Estate  “Hedgehog Vineyard” Xinomavro $22

Sunday we head to the Iberian Peninsula.  No bull fighting required.
2017 Succés Experiència Parellada                                                           $12
100% Parellada
This is old-vine Parellada from two twenty-something winemakers in Spain’s high-altitude Conca de Barbera. So light it’s almost clear, bright lemon-lime and pear on the palate, texture and structure from 12 hours of skin contact and minerality from limestone soils. Organic. 12% alcohol by volume. Was $20 now $12
2014 Vicente Faria Gloria Reserva Douro                                               $15
40% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Franca, 30% Touriga Nacional
This balanced, rich wine is produced by a family company dating to the 19th century. It has tannins, signs of wood aging and layers of black fruits. Still young, it will develop well into a solid, concentrated wine. Drink from 2020.

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.

Saturday, we head to Greece where we’ll be tasting some pure varietals from very ancient wine growing regions. Such grapes as Assyrtiko, Vidiano, Liatiko, Agirogitiko, and Xinomavro are a welcome break to a new world palate. 

2018 Alexakis Assyrtiko  $18
Around 5,000 years ago, the Minoans settled the Southern Aegean.  Today, in Crete, farmers are cultivating the ancient variety Assyrtiko which originated from the island of Santorini. The Alexakis brothers source these grapes from high-elevation vineyards where ancient winepresses have survived since the Bronze Age. This Assyrtiko’s bouquet displays aromas of passion fruit, mango and citrus. It has a balanced taste with crispy acidity and a characteristic minerality around the palate and a long and lasting finish.
 
2018 Douloufakis Crete Vidiano White Dafnios  $16
100% Vidiano
Vidiano is an ancient Cretan variety which was fading into extinction before being revived by young winemakers like Nikolas and the Alexakis brothers.  The Dafnios has tropical fruit and apricot aromas and a palate of creamy tropical fruit and minerals give this wine a decidedly Greek character.
 
2016 Douloufakis Crete Red Dafnios  $17
100% Liatiko
From Crete, the Liatiko is a delicious rarity. The wine is medium-bodied and soft but with a tangy cherry edge and a spicy dried roses and lavender streak. 
 
2016 Skouras Nemea Agiorgitiko “Saint George”  $18
From up north in Nemea, this classic Greek red reveals aromas of blackberries, black raspberries and ripe strawberries with just a touch of anise and spices such as clove and cinnamon. It is a medium-bodied wine with graceful texture, balanced acidity and very ripe elegant tannins. The finish is moderately long, full of red fruits with a touch of sweet vanilla and black pepper.
 
2016 Alpha Estate  “Hedgehog Vineyard” Xinomavro $22
The Hedgehog coms from a sandy 23-acre vineyard close to the winery, on the Amyndeon plateau facing lake Petron and Mount Voras in northern Macedonia.  This silky Xinomavro is perfectly balanced, fresh and crisp. It is complex, with a bouquet of small berries red fruits, leather and spices (vanilla, pepper, clove), and hints of ripe blackberry. The wine has rounded tannins, balanced acidity and well-integrated wood tones with a long aftertaste with intense quince aroma.

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.

It looks to be a week of beautiful Autumn weather here in Madrona.  The skies are clearing and the leaves are rustling across the ground. After you finish raking up a few of them swing by the wine shop and reward yourself for the hard work.  We’ve have a great line up to suit the season.  But first, before we get to that we are sampling,, there are a couple of things to mention.

Thursday is Halloween!!  Madrona Wine and other neighborhood businesses will be handing out candy to trick or treaters. We’ll also have a little treat for the adults so dress up and come on by.  This is also the last week to get a look at our current art show. Between Summer and Fall oil studies by Suzanne Brooker.  Now for the wines:

Saturday we have a lineup of Autumnal Italian.
2017 Carpineto, Dogajolo Bianco $13
40% Chardonnay, 30% Grechetto, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
2017 Vinosia, Fiano di Avellino  $17
2016 Carpineto, Dogajolo Red $13
80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Viberti, Langhe Nebbiolo $20
2015 Carpineto Chiant Classico Reserva  $24

Sunday we are featuring a pair of wonderful Washington wines at stock up now prices.
2018 Weather Station Fumé Blanc  $15
Sauvignon Blanc
Fumé yields polished flavors that are fresh and lively with enticing grapefruit, pineapple and spicy characters that unfold nicely on the smooth finish. Barrel-aged for six months, this wine is creamy and delicious. 13.5% alcohol by volume
2013 Finn Hill L’ Abime Syrah $15
A big hitting WA Syrah takes a drop in price. Char, firepit, barrel spice and herb aromas lead to elegantly styled cranberry flavors in this wine. The tannins lend a light structure. Was $30 now $15

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.

Saturday we are welcoming Autumn with some wines from Italy.   We have some rich whites and deep reds.  Come toast the season.
 
2017 Carpineto, Dogajolo Bianco $13
40% Chardonnay, 30% Grechetto, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
Dogajolo comes from the Italian word doga, meaning “stave” — the narrow strips of wood used to form oak casks.  Produced from estate-grown fruit from the Montepulciano estate, each varietal is vinified separately in stainless steel tanks.  medium-bodied white with pleasant citrus aromas and flavors, the Bianco is a young, fresh wine with a balanced acidity and clean, delicate finish.
 
2017 Vinosia, Fiano di Avellino  $17
Vinosia is a family winery in Irpinia, the heart of Campania.  . The winery consists of over 300 acres under cultivation, of which 1/3 are directly owned and the rest are under direct management with long-term contracts. The Fiano has hints of almonds, walnuts with floral notes and tropical fruits finishing dry, warm, smooth with hints of honey
 
2016 Carpineto, Dogajolo Red $13
80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
The, Dogajolois briefly aged in oak rendering a medium-bodied red that is soft on the palate with a balanced acidity. The nose is fruity with hints of cherry, coffee, vanilla, and spice. It is full and soft on the palate with complex and well-developed flavors and tannins.

2016 Viberti, Langhe Nebbiolo $20
Viberti Nebbiolo is a fresh expression of Piedmont’s signature varietal, marked by ripe red fruit flavors, particularly cherries, and soft tannins.  The wine si vinified in stainless steel, and aged for 9 months before being transferred into neutral oak barrels known as tini where it rests  2-3 months prior to bottling.
 
2015 Carpineto Chiant Classico Reserva  $24
100% Sangiovese
Produced from estate-owned vineyards located on the picturesque Tuscan countryside in the heart of the DOCG area.  The wine is aged for 2+ years in a combination of French Barriques and Slovenian oak casks, followed by 6 months in steel and cement vats. It showcases a complex and elegant bouquet highlighted by persistent raspberry and vanilla aromas. It has a velvety mouthfeel with a full-bodied texture and lengthy finish of black fruits.

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.