It is May Fair and Mothers’ Day this weekend in Madrona.  After the parade and a hot dog at the park swing on by the wine shop and see what we’re tasting.  We’ve stocked up on our rosés and it looks like it is going to be the weather for it.

Saturday, we’ll be hopping around Europe tasting some warm weather wines. 
2016 Rezabal, Txakoli Blanco – $15
2016 Evolucio, Furmint – $13
2015 Jane Ventura, Reserva de la Música Brut Rose – $17
2016 Franck Decrenisse, Coteaux du Lyonnais – Mes Vieilles Vignes $14
2014 Lar de Maia, 5 – $17

Sunday, we have two Sunday Cider Sippers.  Swing by a pickup something for the mothers in your life.
Manoir du Parc Rosé Cider   $8
This Rosé cider from Normandy is made with pink fleshed apples and is delicious by itself or with that weekend breakfast. 3% alcohol by volume
Duché de Longueville Cidre Bouche   $10
100% Antoinette Apples
The name Cidre Bouché refers to the champagne-style cork, and like Champagne, the sparkle is a natural byproduct of fermentation – no ‘pompe bicyclette’ here. The ‘Cru’ is the single variety of apple used, giving quality, character and individuality. 4.5% alcohol by volume

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.

Saturday we are touring around Europe and tasting some fresh new arrivals from our friends at Vinea Imports.  We’ll be visiting the Basque country in Spain, Hungary, back to Spain for a pink cava, then to Coteaux du Lyonnais in France, then finish up in Castilla y León.  It’s a whirlwind weekend so come trek along.
 
2016 Rezabal, Txakoli Blanco – $15
100% Hondarrabi Zuri
Rezabal is a family owned winery located in the Basque country of Spain with a vineyard of 22-hectares planted in a traditional high trellis system.  Hondarribi Zuri, a white grape variety, displays very bright, refreshing and fruity aromas and benefits from the constant see breeze blowing in the vineyard daily, bringing great freshness, salinity and acidity to those wines. Naturally fizzy, the wine has aromas of intense fresh citrus fruits and green apple, bright acidity and low alcohol.
 
2016 Evolucio, Furmint – $13
85% Furmint, 15% Harselevelu (Yellow Muscat)
This wine comes from 30-year-old Furmint vines growing on a mix of volcanic soils in Hungary.  This Furmint features fresh pears and quaffable tropical fruits, all under a welcoming floral nose. A lush texture struck with an herbal finish leaves you feeling lip-smacking good.
 
2015 Jane Ventura, Reserva de la Música Brut Rose – $17
100% Garnacha
The vineyards for the Musica are at a high location, 700 meters.  The wine is aged for 2 years on the leas setting it apart from most Cava.  The expression of this grape is notable, as well as being very delicate and loaded with fragrance. The bouquet offers up a complex variety of harmonious aromas, with notes of cherries, green apple, strawberry, and cream, pearly minerals and floral perfume with small and delicate bubbles.
 
2016 Franck Decrenisse, Coteaux du Lyonnais – Mes Vieilles Vignes $14
Gamay
Located in the Monts d’Or, just north of Lyon, this estate is a leader in the rebirth of the Coteaux du Lyonnaid appellation. Franck Décrenisse has taken over from his parents in 1995 and currently exploits 37 acres of which 5 are planted with very old vines.  The Vieilles Vignes is made from 70-year-old vines. The nose is very expressive, fruity and spicy. In the palate, the wine is very round and full of red berries with a bright finish. 
 
2014 Lar de Maia, 5 – $17
Tempranillo, Garnacha and Syrah
Lar de Maía was founded int 2010 in Castilla y León by María Burgoa and Raúl Tamayo practicing organic viticulture, and original, natural winemaking.   The 5 has intense red fruit aromas (cherry), blended with hints of vanilla, coconut and licorice that continue through to the finish.

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.

We’ll have the door wide open this weekend at Madrona Wine letting in the fresh Spring air.  The flowers are booming outside but the bouquets we’ll be smelling  are coming from the All French lineup we’re tasting.  Stop and smell the Rosé.

Saturday, we go from to Aligoté to Trousseau (two delicious but lesser known grapes) with some other delicious wines in between from French importer Wine Traditions.
2016 Marcel Giraudon, Bourgogne Aligoté $15
2017 Chateau de Jouclary, Cabardès Rosé $13
2013 Domaine Grosbot-Barbara, Saint Pourcain Rouge Les Chambre d’ Edoward $19
2015 Chateau d’Oupia, Minervois Rouge $12
2016 Domaine de la Touraize,  Arbois Rouge Les Corvees $34

Sunday we pouring a pair of  Southern French organic wines.  You can get a wiff of Barougue, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng a mixed bouquet that is thirst quenching as well.
2016 Les Pentes de Barène Tursan $15
43% Barougue, 43% Gros Manseng, 10% Petit Manseng, 4% Sauvignon Blanc
From the Southwest of France comes this bold full white. The Pentes de Barene casts aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, wildflowers and smoky minerals. Crisp and zesty on the palate, with suggestions of grapefruit, guava and chalky minerals. Organic.
2015 Hecht & Bannier Languedoc Rouge $12
60% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 15% Carrignan
As a result of one year’s wine tastings and selection, this Languedoc Red is blended by the most brilliant fruits of Syrah, from the area of Saint Chinian and the Terraces du Larzac with the tasty Grenache from Roussillon. It’s a fruity wine, a Mediterranean wine that is fresh and thirst-quenching. Organic

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.

This Saturday we’ll be exploring wine traditions from some of the lesser known reaches of France.  We’ll have an Aligoté from Burgundy, a Cabrades Rosé, a Pinot Noir from the Loire, a Minervois Rouge from the Lanquedoc, and a Trousseau from the Jura. They mostly come from Wine Traditions, an importer that we have followed over the years. Come explore.
 
2016 Marcel Giraudon, Bourgogne Aligoté $15
The Giraudon family has been farming and making wine in Chitry for centuries. Their vineyards are on hillsides of Kimmeridgian chalky marl which is particularly well suited for the Aligoté grape.  Marcel Giraudon has six of his 18.5 hectares planted to Aligoté. The wine goes through a malo-lactic fermentation which adds a lovely middle palate to its vibrant fruity and mineral qualities.  The wine shows some serious complexity with lime and minerals, a racy edge and a long finish with a bit of toasty cream.
 
2017 Château de Jouclary, Cabardes Rosé $13
60% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cinsault, 20% Grenache
The Cabardès appellation is located on the most southern outcropping of the Massif Central in the Languedoc. The Jouclary rosé shows an aromatic complexity with white flowers, violet, dried flowers and fruit aromas, currant peach, citrus fruits and exotic fruits. 
 
2013 Domaine Grosbot-Barbara, Saint Pourcain Rouge Les Chambre d’ Edoward $19
Pinot Noir
Grosbot-Barbara grows both Gamay and Pinot Noir, the two sanctioned varieties in Saint-Pourçain.  In 2001 a Pinot Noir-loving friend of vigneron Denis Barbara elected to sleep through the night in Pinot Noir tank number seven, then empty. Now his 100% Pinot Noir cuvee is nicknamed “La Chambre d’Edouard” (Edward’s room.) This Pinot has an abundance of bright red fruits with a strong acidic backbone and soft tannins.
 
2015 Château d’Oupia, Minervois Rouge $12
60% Carignan, 30% Syrah, 10% Grenache
The 13th century estate where 100-year-old Carignan vines grow was inherited by Andre Inche, who began crafting the kind of wines that got the region of Languedoc-Rousillon noticed for more than just bulk wines. The Minervois Rouge has a nose full of sweet, wild herbs and violets, dark, lusty plums, blackberries, cassis, and black pepper that carry on long into the finish.
 
2016 Domaine de la Touraize, Arbois Rouge Les Corvees $34
Trousseau
Domaine de la Touraize is a 12-hectare estate, in Arbois, Jura. André-Jean Morin is the eighth generation to farm in Arbois. They began farming organically in 2016.  A truly unique Jura red, The Les Corvees has spices, and pepper, mixed with notes of small red fruits. The palate has a beautiful attack with full blended tannins, with an aromatic richness length and balance at the end of the mouth.

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.

April Showers have returned to Madrona, so it must be the weekend.  Take a break from watching the grass grow and come try some local wines at Madrona wines.

Saturday we have Locus Wines in the house, direct from our friends down on Madrona Drive. Rich Burton will be pouring his new releases.
2017 Rose $12
2016 Modo White $13
2016 Modo Red $13
2014 Yakima Valley Red $20
2015 Nord $25

Sunday, we continue our Northwest wine weekend with two unique whites from Parejas Cellars, a boutique winery in the Yakima Valley

2013 Parejas Cellars Band of Sisters Wysling  $12
27% Marsanne, 43% Roussanne, 30% Grencahe Blanc
This local Rhône style white blend is dry full-bodied wine with perfumed aromas of spiced herbal tea, spring blossoms, Asian pears, greengages (European plums), and honeysuckle.  Was $15 now $12
2013 Parejas Cellars Garnacha Blanca  $12
This WA grown, Spanish-styled white has aromas of ripe green apples, white stone fruits and citrus and herbal nuances which combined with lively acidity, and a refreshing finish.   Was $15 now $12

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.

This Saturday we are popping the corks on the new releases from Locus Wines. The grapes for the wine come from east of the mountains, but the global headquarters of the operation rests comfortably at the foot of Madrona Drive. Winemaker Rich Burton will be on hand to pour and talk about his new creations.
 
2017 Rose $12
40% Grenache, 40% Mourvédre, 20% Cinsault
A Provence styled pink for mere pennies.
 
2016 Modo White $13
50% Semillon, 50% Sauvignon Blanc
A Bordeaux-style blend, the Semillon rounds out the grassiness of the Sauvignon blanc.  It is an easy drinking combination.
 
2016 Modo Red $13
38% Cinsault, 21% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 14% Merlot
The new Modo everyday red is based on a Provence/ Southern French blend.  It is fresh and delicious and priced as well as its French counterparts which is exceptional.
 
2014 Yakima Valley Red $20
40% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre
A clean dark fruited Rhone Style blend.  The 2014 is beefed up this year with a good dose of Mourvèdre.
 
2015 Nord $25
64% Syrah, 23% Cinsault, 13% Mourvedre
The Nord is a Syrah-heavy Rhone blend.  The wine has a nicely balanced play between the dark fruit, the smooth tannins and its fresh acidity.

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.

It seems like we might dry out this weekend and get a peek at the other side of Spring here in Madrona.  Take a break from mowing the moss and stop by the shop where we’ll be tasting Italian wines all weekend.

Saturday we have organic wines from Umbria that are fresh, tasty and are great value wines.
2015 Terre Margaritelli,  Pietramala $12
85% Trebbiano, 15% Pecorino
2015 Terre Margaritelli,  Costellato  $17
Trebbiano, Fiano, Chardonnay, and Viognier
2016 Terre Margaritelli, Venturosa Rosato di Torgiano $10 
Sangiovese
2015 Cantina Altarocca, Librato Umbria Rosso  $16
70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Canaiolo
2015 Terre Margaritelli,  Mirantico $20
Sangiovese, Malbec, Canajolo

Sunday we continue our Italian weekend with a Trebiano from Abruzzo and a Nebbiolo from the Langhe. Stop in and give them a swirl!
2017 Talamonti Trebiano d’Abruzzo $11
A clean and crisp Trebiano with fresh apple and citrus notes and a bright finish.
2016 Ca’  Gialla Langhe Nebbiolo $13
A lighter Nebbiolo with rose and tobacco aromas, soft fruit and a dry finish.

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.

Bordering on Tuscany and right above Rome is the lesser-known and lesser-traveled region of Umbria.  Here you can find some amazing, delightfully undervalued Italian wines.  Join us Saturday as we taste through some organic wines from two Umbrian wineries.  Terre Margaritelli’s estate is spread over 60 hectares, all certified organic, on a beautiful hill, Miralduolo between Perugia and Assisi.  Cantina Altarocca is part of the Al Molino Gualtieri Organic Farm situated at the foot of the Rocca Ripesena tuff hillock, a few kilometers from the picturesque town of Orvieto. Come discover some great values.
 
2015 Terre Margaritelli,  Pietramala $12
85% Trebbiano, 15% Pecorino
From Torgiano, a small hill town in the heart of Umbria, the Pietramala has lovely grassy aromas and slightly citrus flavors and a fresh finish.
 
2015 Terre Margaritelli,  Costellato  $17
Trebbiano, Fiano, Chardonnay and Viognier
A rich Umbrian white blend, the Costellato evokes the golden stars of a September night in the ancient Umbrian village of Miralduolo.  The happy marriage of Trebbiano, Fiano, Chardonnay and Viognier give life to the dense structure and perfume of an elegant bouquet and a round body.
 
2016 Terre Margaritelli, Venturosa Rosato di Torgiano $10 
Sangiovese
A Rosé from Sangiovese grapes that reveals the freshness and floral notes of the varietal.    The wine has good strawberry fruit and long lingering finish.
 
2015 Cantina Altarocca, Librato Umbria Rosso  $16
70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Canaiolo
The Librato has intense and harmonious aromas with notes of red fruit. The palate is full and balanced, with elegant notes of fruit and smooth tannins.  No oak is used during the wine making to highlight the fruit.
 
2015 Terre Margaritelli,  Mirantico $20
Sangiovese, Malbec, Canajolo
Miràntico takes its name from the ancient Umbrian village of Miralduolo.   The blend of the Sangiovese, Malbec, and Canajolo enhance their resting perfumes and live for a short time in French oak barrels.

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.

Piedmont & Sicily

at Cascina Spinasse

with Bill Elbring from North Berkeley Imports

Tuesday, April 17th

Noon to 2pm

3-courses with wine

$55 per person (+ tax & gratuity)

Spinasse and North Berkeley Imports have put together a great line up of wines from Mt. Etna, the island of Salina, and Piedmonte matched to Spinasse’s incredible food. It is an experience not to be missed.

2014 Murgo Brut Rosé
This is one of the most distinctive and special sparkling wines in the world, a traditional-method bubbly made on the slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna from Nerello Mascalese, and aged on its lees for 3 years.

Mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette and radish.

2016 Caravaglio Malvasia, Secca Islola di Salina
From the island of Salina, Part of the Aeolian Island chain off the coast of Sicily where this single-vineyard stretches up the steep slope of an ancient volcano in the Malfa district (the highest quality vine-growing area). The soils are a combination of volcanic sand and rock. The wine has notes of cardamom-spiced pears, white peach, preserved lemon; plush, complex yet balanced.

Veal raviolini with green garlic ragù.

2012 Azienda Agricola Rochi, Barbaresco “Rochi” Cru
Winemaker Giancarlo Rocca and three generations of the Rocca clan live in a house built by the family, surrounded by ‘Ronchi’ cru vines.

Agnello Milanese with roasted chestnut-leek sauce.

2013 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo
Fratelli Alessandria is one of Piedmont’s under-the-radar jewels. The Alessandrias make compelling, classically-built wines from estate vineyards in Verduno and Monforte d’Alba

2013 Caravaglio Malvasia di Lipari Passito DOC
For desert this Passito with clear and defined aromas of dried apricot and yellow flowers of broom, dates, dried figs and slight mineral and salty puffs. In the mouth it expresses a great sapid energy.

Call {206} 251-7673 for a reservation

Cascina Spinasse

1531 14^th Ave.

Seattle WA 98122

It looks like another grey and wet weekend here in Madrona.  But here at the wine shop we have a few things lined up to brighten our moods if not the sky.

Saturday, we have five Tempranillos from a pair of Spanish wineries —Bodegas Frontauras y Nexus.  Come taste the variety of this great grape.  Loreto Herrero, from the winery will be here to talk about the wines
2015 Nexus One  $15
2014 Domino de Valdelacasa Cosecha $15
2011 Nexus Crianza  $26
2009 Frontaura, Crianza $30
2006 Frontaura, Aponte Reserva $30

Sunday we are pouring a pair of organic wines from France.  Got your taxes done? Come spend the refund, or drown your sorrows with these two French beauties.
2016 Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix Blanc $13
50% Rolle, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Ugni Blanc
This classic, unoaked white is light, crisp and refreshing, offering delicate citrus, mineral and floral character with a lingering finish. Organic. 13% alcohol by volume
Bulliat Beaujolais Villages $12
Gamay
A nice entry Gamay. Bright cherry color. Aromas of red fruits dominated by strawberries and blackcurrant with very fine tannins. Organic. 12.5% alcohol by volume

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.