Summer has officially arrived here in Madrona (even though the weekend gets ushered in with a few clouds and a bit of a breeze).  With the warm weather we are turning our thoughts to some lighter wines for the season.  Sure, you can always fall back on Rosé, but break out of the mold and drink a few refreshing and unusual white wines. This weekend we have a packed line up of perfect contenders.  No Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris here.  You may or may not have heard of any of them before, but they are sure to delight the palate. Come check them out.

Saturday, we drink through Hungary, Portugal, Sicily, and Friuli.
2016 Château Pajzos, Furmint  $13
2016 Quinta do Pinto Lasso Branco  $13
50% Arinto, 50% Fernão Pires
2016 Caravaglio Malvasia  $20
2016 Murgo, Etna Bianco  $18
70% Carricante, 30% Cataratto
2016 Muzic Collio  $16
Ribolla Gialla

Sunday, we are back with two more (one from Burgundy & one another from Sicily) to help beat the warm weather.  The temperatures are supposed to climb back up into the 80’s this next week so come stock up.
2013 Vignerons de Buxy, Bourgogne Aligoté  $9
A very fresh wine, usually with a pale gold color with bright glints. The nose opens with floral and fresh fruity hints. It is soft and aromatic in the mouth. It often has white floral and hazelnut aromas. Its liveliness and its slight citrus flavor pairs well with the saltiness of oysters of seafood as well as with goat cheese.
2017 Branciforti Catarratto  $10
Fresh and aromatic Catarratto, grown within the area of Trapani, under constant ventilation from the Mediterranean Sea, reveals a pleasant acidity that enhances the elegance and smell. The palate with light hints of peach blossoms and wisteria, reserving, in the final, delicate notes of aniseed.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2pm until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5pm.