Saturday we frolic around France, tasting here and there with wild abandon.  Join us as we hop and jump from north to south, from the cool climate of Alsace to the warm hills of the Mediterranean.  It is a tasty adventure.
 
2017 Kuentz Bas , Alsace Blanc $12
60% Sylvaner, 15% Muscat, 15% Auxerrois, 10% Gewürztraminer
Kuentz-Bas was established by the Kuentz family in 1795.   It sits at one of the highest points in Alsace, and the vineyards stretch out from the village over an area of ten hectares. Their traditional blend shows notes of very ripe pear dominate the nose. The palate shows crisp acidity to aid the spicy pear fruit.  It is bone dry with smoky yet bright flavors.
 
2017 Roger Nevue, Sancerre, Cote des Embouffants  $22
Sauvignon Blanc
“The Clos des Bouffants, the primary Neveu family Sancerre holding, is a steep, due-south exposed, limestone vineyard located less than a half mile from the Neveu cellar. The wine shows aromas of ripe rhubarb and gooseberry leap from the pale lemon juice, along with hints of lime, chalk, and flint. It has a mineral texture with high acidity, and vibrant green fruits follow through to a long, lingering finish.
 
2015 Regis Bouvier, Bourgogne Rouge $20
Pinot Noir
From a 1.5-hectare vineyard of 35-year-old vines situated in clay and limestone soils, this is a bright red cherry-leaning-towards-plum fruit, super juicy Pinot. There are lots of ways to spin this, as a hedonistic red Burgundy, as a delicious Pinot Noir. Experience the touch and finesse, the Burgundian soul, the pure deliciousness of a true Pinot bargain.
 
2016 Ensedune, Couteaux de Enserune $10
Marselan
At the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, the Oppidum Romain d’Ensérune dominates the terroir of the Ensédune wines. It is characterized by one of the warmest and driest climates of France located at the west of Béziers. Proud of a thousand-year-old tradition, the Ensérune winegrowers were keen to develop their vineyards by acclimatizing grape varieties from various horizons. This Marselan has lively, balsamic, small berry fruit (blackcurrant, blueberry, wild strawberry) aromas, with a lovely, mellow concentration. It’s a perfect easy-drinking wine.
 
2014 Michel Gassier, Nostre Pais Rouge, Costières de Nîmes $19
35% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
One of the bigger, richer versions of this cuvee, the 2014 Nostre Païs was fermented with one-third whole clusters and aged in equal parts 500-liter barrels and concrete tanks. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by terrific notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, roasted herbs and licorice. It has serious mid-palate depth, integrated acidity and present, yet ripe tannin, all suggesting it will evolve gracefully for at least 4-6 years.  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.