Summer time and the living is easy.  To welcome it in we have assembled some easy drinking bubbles to match easy going the weather.  Stop by on Saturday as we pop the corks on these fresh sparklers that will match any Barbeque or lawn party.  The fat corks fly at 2pm and the tasting lasts as long as the wine does.  Come find a summer favorite.
 
Cune Cava Brut $11
50% Xarelo, 35% Macabeo, 15% Parellada
From a renowned Rioja producer CUNE expands out to Piendes to make these easy bubbles. It is a rich and crisp Cava with more body than you’d expect for the price. 
 
Borgo Maragliano, Brut  $15
Chardonnay
Borgo Maragliano sits 450 metres above sea level, in the heart of Loazzolo on a natural terrace in the Langhe hills. The chardonnay grape cultivated on these steep hills produces a sparkling wine via a process of refermentation in tank.  Fresh with bright acidity and steady effervescence.  The aromas are of citrus fruit, almonds and the aromas of freshly baked bread. 
 
Chateau Moncontour, Les Quinze Arpents, Vouvray Brut  $15
Chenin Blanc
The Chateau Moncontour winery is one of the oldest of the Loire Valley. It was created around the fourth century. Since the tenth century, caves have been excavated in the cliffs to vinify and preserve its wine. Their Quinze Arpents is a crisp Vouvray sparkler aged on the leas for 12 months.  It has notes of white flower, bread yeast and green apple flavors. 
 
Corteaura, Franciacorta  $20
Chardonnay
The Franciacorta region in Lombardy was the first DOC to specify that its sparkling wines be made metodo classico (like Champagne) and it has become recognized as the best area for sparkling wines in Italy.  Conteaura’s version has floral and fruity aromas of bread crust and yeast enriched with delicate notes of citrus and nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, dried white figs). The wine is savory, fresh, elegant and balanced.
 
2011 Graham Beck Brut Rosé $24
80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay
Graham Beck is a South African winery that focuses on bubbles made Méthode Champenoise.  Their Brut Rosé gains its hue from co-pressing the white and red varietals, followed by 36 months aging on the leas to build complexity.  It shows noticeable ripe blueberries and a subtle spiciness from the Pinot Noir with creamy complexity from the Chardonnay. An explosion of raspberry fruit and slight honeysuckle flavors on the palate, with a persistent yet delicate mousse.

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 (finally) have some good weather this weekend here in Madrona.  Time to dust off the grill and enjoy dining al fresco.  Before hand you might want to stretch those legs and come to Madrona Wine to get the right pairings. We’ve got a well paired line up of wine to try.

Saturday we are flying high with wines from Andeluna Winery in Argentina.  These grapes come from vineyards at 1300 meters, that is just a smidge over 4265 feet above sea level.  We’ll be pouring both some young and fresh and reserve wines. Come get high with us.
2014 1300 Torrontes  $13
2015 1300 Malbec  $13
2015 1300 Cabernet Sauvignon $13
2013 Altitud Malbec $30
2009 Altittud Cabernet Sauvingon $30 

Sunday we are getting graphic and pouring two wines that have fun label art as well as delicious juice inside that suits the warmer weather.

2016 Armas de Guerra Mencia Rosé       $10
A northwest Spanish Rosé with strawberry and mineral notes.

2013 Al-Cantara, Lu Veru Etna Rosso        $12
Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Capuccio
A lighter Etna red with notes of red berry, almond, cinnamon, and cacao. A fresh and versatile wine, good with a variety of food or just by itself on a sunny afternoon.

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.

Andeluna´s estate, in the mountains above Mendoza, is located in an almost 200 acre ranch above 1300 meters, in Gualtallary, Tupungato.  1300 meters is a long way up to grow grapes. This region’s attributes include rocky, calcareous and mineral soil, typified by the incomparable weather and marked with wide diurnal temperature swings due to high altitude. The combination allows them to make wines with exceptional intensity in color, aromatic expression and structure.  This Saturday we’ll be pouring three wines from their 1300 line (young wines that highlight the freshness of the fruit and the intensity of their youth) as well as a couple of their Altitud Reserve wines (these wines seek greater complexity, starting in the vineyard, where there is a low yield per hectare, which results in more concentrated fruit as well as freshness.)  Stop by on Saturday and get high with us.
 
2014 1300 Torrontes  $13
Andeluna’s Torrontes has aromas of white flowers, citric and tropical fruits –rue, jasmine and white peach stand out. The wine has a fresh attack with an intense finish.
 
2015 1300 Malbec  $13
Andeluna’s 1300 Malbec begins with floral notes of violets and a fruity expression of red plum and strawberry.  The palate is fresh, smooth and balanced.
 
2015 1300 Cabernet Sauvignon $13
The 1300 Cabernet Sauvignon has spicy notes of white pepper and clove along with notes of red peppers.  The wine has an outstanding tannic balance that makes it pleasant to drink. The spicy notes linger in the end.
 
2013 Altitud Malbec $30
Besides a careful fruit selection, the Altitude Malbec spend 12 months in barrel to develop the balance between the fruit and the tannins.  The wine offers a deeply spiced aroma, with richly concentrated flavors of dark chocolate, mocha and roasted plum, showing some serious tannins. Asian spice and black pepper accents emerge on the dense finish.
 
2009 Altittud Cabernet Sauvignon $30 
This 2009 Cab has a bit of bottle age on it giving it the complexity that only comes with cellaring.  The wine has intense aromas of black pepper and bell pepper and cassis and cherry. Red fruits such as cherry type and cassis are also perceived.  In the mouth, a wide concentration of fruit and spicy notes. Mature tannins and a lingering finish.

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 have M&Ms this weekend in Madrona, with Mayfair and Mother’s Day falling in quick succession.  Here at Madrona Wines we have wine tastings to accompany both.

Saturday — after the parade and the festivities at the park, swing by the shop and try the wines from Colterenzio in the Alto Adige.  These distinct wines from the shadow of the Alps are very Spring like.
2015 Pinto Grigio $13
2014 Chardonnay $13
2010 Chardonnay Formigar $25
2015 Pinot Nero $17
2015 Lagrein $15

Sunday is Mother’s Day, and we know that for most of the mothers in your life a good glass of wine beats out flowers hands down.  We’ll have a couple of Southern French wines open to sip while you browse for the perfect bottle.

2016 Domaine Montrose Pays d’Oc Rosé      $12
65% Grenache, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
Montrose is located in the Languedoc region of Southern France, 15 km away from the Mediterranean coast. The name refers to its geographic location on a volcano (Mont) and to the pink (Rose) flowers and almond trees surrounding the vineyard. The rosé is dry with flavors of peach and red berries.

2014 Château La Selve Palissaire $12
40% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 20% Merlot
From the Ardeche, just west of the Rhone Valley, comes this very unRhone red blend with ripe berry flavors are balanced by earthy notes. 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.

The Alto Adige Suditrol region is the northernmost province of Italy, with palm trees growing down in the valley and snow up on the Alps.  Around 15 B.C. a Roman country gentleman named Cornelius settled here and established his “Cornelianum” wine estate and the first wine culture in the area. The Roman name eventually evolved into “Cornaiano”, the village Colterenzio calls home. The wines from the hamlet of Colterenzio were favorites of Archduke Sigismund when he resided at Firmiano Castle in the 15th century. The Colterenzio winegrowers’ co-operative was founded by 28 vintners in 1960. Over the years other passionate viticulturalists from diversified micro-zones in the area joined the collective, and today nearly 300 members cultivate approximately 300 hectares of vineyards.   Come by on Saturday as we try the diverse array of wines from the collective.
 
2015 Pinto Grigio $13
From vineyards at 450 meters with a cool microclimate with striking contrasts between day and night time temperatures, this Pinot Gris has attractive ripe orchard fruits on the nose; elegant and multi-faceted, yeasty with hints of honeydew melon and citrus fruits supported by a firm acidity, typical of the vintage and leading to a flinty aftertaste.
 
2015 Chardonnay $13
Chardonnay has been producing fine wines in South Tyrol for well over a century. Grown on deep sandy soil on gravelly deposits, Colterenzio’s classic Chardonnay has delicate and floral aromas. The flavor is infused with hints of exotic fruits reminiscent of pineapple, and mango; on the palate it is a concentration of mellowness and vivacity with classic mineral notes and crisp acidity
 
2010 Chardonnay Formigar $25
Formigar was the original name of Firmiano Castle. Alto Adige’s largest self-contained vineyard area spread s out south of the castle, on a dry plateau of gravel and eroded porphyry.   This barrel aged Chardonnay is a full but well-integrated wine, imbued with honeydew melon, creamy fruit salad and nutty aromas; ample acidity with a delicate underlay of oak on the palate and a long, luscious finish.
 
2015 Pinot Nero $17
From west facing slopes between 400-500 meters, this Pinot Noir has a fresh, fruity nose, reminiscent of red currants and black cherry; medium-bodied, round with soft tannins and ripe berry flavors well integrated with the acidity.
 
2015 Lagrein $15
Lagrein is one of Alto Adige’s native varieties.  The wine has a very dark garnet color.   The aromas are of violets, black woodland berry fruits (bilberry and blackberry) with hints of dark chocolate.  Mouth-filling and spicy on the palate The Lagrein has ripe, velvety tannins and a long finish.

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.

May favors new growth in the garden.  It also favors new releases from local wineries.  This Saturday our local Locus Wines will be at the shop pouring their new releases.  The grapes may be from the east side of the mountains but their base is on Madrona drive and their inspiration is in the Côtes du Rhône and the south of France.  Stop by and see how they sort it out.
 
2016 Locus Modo White  $14
50% Semillon, 50% Sauvignon Blanc
A Bordeaux style blend from our Local Locus guys.  The Semillon rounds out the grassiness of the Sauvignon Blanc.  An easy drinking combination.

2016 Locus Rosé  $15
40% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre
Locus’ Rosé hangs on to the rich Washington fruit flavors while not losing its crisp freshness. 

2014 Locus Modo Red  $15
59% Merlot, 25% Malbec, 15% Syrah
A everyday drinker from our local winemakers. The Modo has good dark fruit and smooth tannins that is easy to drink but still with something to chew on.

2015 Locus Sud  $20
84% Grenache, 16% Syrah
From Naches Heights and Rattlesnake Hills AVAs, Locus’s Sud is a smooth drinking southern Rhone blend focusing more on spice and structure and restrained ripeness.

2014 Locus Yakima Valley Red  $25
40% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre
A clean dark fruited Rhône Style blend from our neighbors down the street. The 2014 is beefed up this year with a good dose of Mourvèdre.

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.

Sprouts are poking up and buds are breaking out all over Madrona.  While we enjoy the Spring renewal, here at Madrona Wine we be enjoying some new releases and new arrivals all weekend.

Saturday we have a lineup of Home Grown Wines from the Great State of Washington.  Like the asparagus, these wines have just recently poked their heads above ground.
2015 Waitsburg Cellars, Chenin Blanc Cheninieres  $18
2016 Underground Wine Project Mr. Pink Rosé  $12
2015 Ross Andrew, Glaze Cabernet Sauvignon  $15
2015 Isenhower Cellars, Cabernet Franc  $20
2014 Underground Wine Project Idle Hands  $33

Sunday, we have Dos Neuvo Vinos Rojos de España  Spring has brought these wines in on the last boat.

2015 Monteabellon, Avaniel, Ribera del Duero  $10
Tempranillo
Surprisingly complex and spicy, the wine has an attractive nose of spice box, blueberry and blackberry. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with a supple texture.

2015 Capcanes, Mas Picosa  $14
70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
A juicy Catalan Red aromas of Kirch, spicy cake; ripe and nicely concentrated; very Garnacha in character; a lot fruit; medium finish with ripe, sweet tannins and nicely fresh. 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.

Saturday, we are casting our eye closer to home and pouring a lineup of Washington Wines from the great state of Washington.  Not only are these wine delicious, they also out perform their price.  A rarity, but it can be done.  Stop in and see what we have uncovered in our own backyard.

2015 Waitsburg Cellars, Chenin Blanc Cheninieres  $18
The brain child of Wine Critic Paul Gregutt, Waitsberg Cellars makes this Chenin Blanc in a dry, unoaked style, with no malolactic fermentation. The wine shows delicate and detailed scents of jasmine and lily flowers, gooseberry, green melon and citrus, followed by lighter flavors of apple and pear.

2016 Underground Wine Project Mr. Pink Rosé  $12
Sangiovese
The Underground Wine Project is a collaboration between Sleight of Hand Cellars and Mark Ryan Winery.  With a nod to Reservoirs Dogs, their Sangiovese Rosé has aromas of herb, cherry and mineral. The palate is dry with generous tart cherry flavors.

2015 Ross Andrew, Glaze Cabernet Sauvignon  $15
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
An everyday drinker from Ross Andrews, the Glaze is sourced  from the central Columbia Valley and the Horse Heaven Hills.  Tell-tale Cabernet aromatics blending nicely with a touch of chocolate and orange peel.  The palate has just enough structure to let you know this is Cabernet Sauvignon, but not so much that it needs time in the cellar.

2015 Isenhower Cellars, Cabernet Franc  $20
Based out of Walla Walla, Isenhower Cellars was founded in 1999 which passes for old school these days.  The wine is a juicy, well balanced and structured Cabernet Franc with aromatics of herbs and fresh plowed wet earth, dark cherries, bay leaf, and wood smoke.

2014 Underground Wine Project Idle Hands  $33
90% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
A big Red Mountain Syrah, the Idle Hands has ripe notes of Bing cherries, cola, and raspberry liqueur intermix nicely with subtle notes of vanilla from barrel aging. The wine is full-bodied and lush in texture, with more red fruits and the classic peppery spicy, note.

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.