ANIMALE is a very small winery hidden away in the outskirts of pastoral Ballard with a total production of just around 200 cases. There Matt Gubitosa, winemaker, cellar master and head bottle washer produces his hand-crafted, full-flavored red wines from some of Washington’s lesser known grapes. His preference for aging in neutral oak barrels accents each varietal’s unique characteristics and lets the wines speak for themselves. Matt will be at the shop Saturday showing off his newly released 2009 vintage. We’ll have his Petite Sirah, Dolchetto, Petit Verdot and Mouvedre open for tasting. Come join us and be merry in Madrona.

2009 Petite Sirah         $25

From McIntire Vineyard in Sunnyside, the Petite Sirah has explosive aromas of fresh blackberries, and a hint of menthol. The wine is medium bodied with flavors of ripe plum, berries, and dark chocolate. 57 cases made.

2009 Dolcetto         $24

From Gilbert’s 24 K vineyard in Mattawa, this Dolchetto has aromas of blueberries and cherries, with appealing floral accents. It is an incredibly well made example of a domestic Dolchetto. 24 cases made.

2009 Mourvedre         $26

95% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah

From Kiona Vineyard in Red Mountain the Mourvedre has aromas of black currants and blackberries, with hints of exotic spices and tangerines. 24 cases made.

2009 Petit Verdot         $28

From Gilbert’s “Doc Stewart” Vineyard in Mattawa, the Verdot has complex aromas of cherries and plum with hints of roasted peppers, kumquat, and ginger. 24 cases made.

2009 Barbera     $18
From Gilbert’s 24 K vineyard in Mattawa. This is not your typical Barbera.