This Saturday were following some classic Italian varietals back to their roots We’ll be tasting a Prosecco from Veneto, two Tuscan reds, a Barbera from Piedmont, and an Aglianico from Campania. They are all bold wines that will help to take the damp out of December.
La Luca, Prosecco $11
Glera
The La Luca is a great everyday bottle of bubbles. The nose instantly offers up bold orchard fruits, crisp pears, and lemon curd, all of which come together in a rich, creamy off-dry style that is extremely appealing.
2016 Carpineto, Dogajolo Red $13
70% Sangiovese and up to 30% other varietals
A young “Super-Tuscan”, Dogajolo was named after the Italian word doga, meaning “stave” — the narrow strips of wood used to form oak casks. The wine is fresh and forward with a fruity and fragrant bouquet, along with some long-lasting flavors of dark berry and spice.
2012 Carpineto, Chianti Classico $20
80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo
Carpineto’s Chianti Classico Riserva showcases and elegant display of persistent raspberry and vanilla aromas along with leather and leafy underbrush notes. The palate offers almost-overripe plum, black cherry with a full-bodied texture and lengthy finish of black fruits.
2017 Viberti, Barbera d’ Alba La Gemella $15
La Gemella was created to honor the winemaker’s mother. This Barbera has expressive floral tones of wild rose, fresh berries and crushed mineral. Full-bodied layers of blueberry, licorice, and earth are perfectly balanced with a vibrancy of acid, silky tannins.
2013 Vinosia, Taurasi Santandrea $40
Aglianico
The Santandrea comes from about 3 Ha in Paternopoli; planted at an elevation of about 700 meters above sea level on a chalky, rocky terrain, the vines are about 25 years old. Taurasi is the Barolo of Campania. The wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels and then an additional 6 months in bottle before release. This Agliancio has very deep black and red fruits with hints of blackberries, plums, and cured olives; good acidity, ample smooth tannins and a long finish reminiscent of black cherries, tea, spices, figs, and plums.
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.