This Saturday we are tasting wines from the two coasts of the north of Spain We’ll start with a big white from the Atlantic side in Rias Baixas and then continue on to some big bodied reds of the Mediterranean side from Monsant, Conca de Barbera, and Priorat.  The wines full and bold as the culture they come from.  Come join us.
 
2014 Pazo de Señorans, Albariño Rias Baixas $20
From Rias Baixas on the coast of Northwest Spain, the Pazo Señorans is made with 100% Albariño grapes that grow on 35-year old vines in 20 acres of lovingly cared vineyards that receive the sea breeze from the Atlantic Ocean.   The Pazo takes Albariño to a whole new level.  The 2014 is wonderfully perfumed with round viscous body packed with a cornucopia of citrus flavors.
 
2013 Capcanes, Mas Donis Barrica, Montsant   $12   Tasting Special Normally $14
85% Grenache, 15% Syrah
In North East Spain, Montsant wraps around the celebrated Priorat. While the soils generally contain less schist than Priorat, their pricing represents much greater value.  The old-vine Garnacha in this blend is primarily from an indigenous clone called Garnacha del Pais.  The wine is barrel aged for nine months before release.  It shows wild red and black berry flavors, cherry, spices and herbs as well as smooth vanilla oaky toasty notes.  It is ripe and complex on the palate with loads of sweet vibrant fruit, soft and velvet tannins and a nicely refreshing finish
 
2012 Clos di Nit, Crianza Montsant  $12
40% Garnacha, 40% Cariñena, 20% Syrah
Clos de Nit is a Catalan phrase meaning “vineyard of the night.” The vineyards are spread out across the mountainous slopes among olive groves, forests, and stone. Loose red sands and limestone are found here. Their Crianza has red and black fruits with earth and dried fruit overtones.  Its tannins are noticeable but very pleasant and it shows a long, persistent finish. 
 
2012 Cara Nord, Negre, Conca de Barbera $17
42% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 20% Garrut
Lesser known than its neighbors, the Conca de Barbera appellation is northeast of Priorat and Montsant, and west of Penedes.  The Negre’s blackcurrant and cherry skin aromas show gentle spiciness and a touch of dried herbs. The wine is smooth and pliant on the palate, offering ripe black and blue fruit flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate with a smoky note on the finish, along with an echo of cherry and dusty tannins.
 
2013 Mas Doix, les Crestes, Priorat $25
80% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah
Les Crestes vineyards are situated at a height of 400 meters above sea level on hillsides of pronounced slopes, with the characteristic slate soil called “licorella”. A third of the grapes for les Crestes come from vineyards of more than 50 years old, and the rest come from vineyards with an average of 15/20 years old.  The wine has earthy, dark fruits, orange peel, chocolate, leather, cumin, and general freshness which continue in the body along with a boost of oak and dried herbal notes.

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 all day from 11-5.