Denominación de Origen Calificada, is the highest category in Spanish wine, reserved for regions with above-average grape prices and particularly stringent quality controls. Rioja was the first Spanish region to be awarded DOC status in 1991, followed by Priorat in 2003. These are the only two regions considered “above” DO status.  This Saturday we’ll be trying several wines from Rioja and one from Priorat.  Come see what difference the C makes.
 
2015 El Coto, Rioja Blanco $12
100% Viura
Viura makes fruity wines with floral notes and notable acidity.  The El Coto Blanco is intensely aromatic, well balanced, with body and the fruit has a refreshing tart character. Pleasant acidity combines perfectly with an exquisite aftertaste of flowers, fruit and fine herbs.

2016 El Coto, Rosado $12
Tempranillo, Garnacha
This rosé is produced by bleeding of the free-run juice from the grapes. The wine has aromas of fresh strawberries and caramel. On the palate, it is fresh as well as fruit focused.
 
2013 El Coto, Crianza $13
Tempranillo
El Cotos Crianza ages for 12 months in select 225 liter American oak barrels and 6months in the bottle before leaving the winery. In the wine glass it presents a clean, bright cherry color with a garnet edge. On the nose, it maintains the freshness of the fruit, with notes of vanilla and the most emblematic aromas of toasted oak. On the palate it is silky and persistent presenting a taste of well blended spice.
 
2011 Beronia, Reserva  $18
94% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano, 2% Mazuelo
The Beronia Reserva is aged in mixed oak barrels of American staves and French tops for 20 months to allow a paused and harmonic evolution. The American oak gives a sweet character of vanilla and coconut while the French oak gives spice, making for the perfect balance. It is then aged in bottle for 18 months before release.  The wine has an attractive nose with candied fruits and plum marmalade in perfect harmony with sweet aromas such as chocolate. On the palate, the characteristic Tempranillo notes of cherry and strawberry are accompanied by licorice, balanced acidity and silky tannins.
 
2014 Marco Abella, Loidana Priorat $35
44% Grenache, 38% Carignan, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon
The Loidana ages 12 months in French Oak barrels from five different coopers.  It is a blend of the Priorat’s two indigenous varieties, Grenache and Carignan with Cabernet Sauvignon adding structure and depth. This wine is smooth on the palate and remains harmonious to the finish. Loidana offers notes of red fruit and black berries with hints of spices.

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.

It is a typical summer weekend here in Seattle, with the sun playing peekaboo from behind the clouds.  This weekend at Madrona Wine we have the bases covered with a lineup of wines for those sun showers as well as couple hearty reds to brighten the greys.

Saturday is National Rosé Day!  I’m not making this up.  National Rosé Day is a very silly holiday but one we don’t mind celebrating year-round.  Today we’ll be pouring two Rosés as well as several other wines that fit the summer season.

2016 Stift Gottweig, Grüner Veltliner $14
2016 Bodegas Cepa 21 Hito Ribera del Duero Rosado  $15
2016 Domaine Andre Neveu, Fricambault Sancerre Rosé  $25
2015 Domaine Piron, Beaujolais Villages $18
2015 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Cotes du Rhone Vieille Vignes  $18

Sunday we’re pouring two special deals from Saviah Cellars.  Both are dark bold reds.  Both from Walla Walla.  And, both on serious discount. Come snatch them up while the deal lasts.

2013 Saviah Walla Walla Malbec  $20
From a blend of three outstanding vineyards, the wine has classic Malbec aromas and flavors of blue fruit, black fruit, savory spice, and cocoa.  A big velvety mouthfeel with savory minerality and a long delicious finish. Was $30 Now $20

2013 Saviah Walla Walla Petit Verdot  $20
2013 Walla Walla Valley Malbec is blend of three outstanding vineyards. The wine showcases the best Malbec has to offer. Inky purple color, classic Malbec aromas and flavors of blue fruit, black fruit, savory spice, and cocoa.  A big velvety mouthfeel with savory minerality and a long delicious finish. Was $30, Now $20

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.

What makes a great summer wine?  There is no precise definition, but one generally wants something a bit fresh and lively that refreshes the palate.  Want to be more specific?  We’ve picked five wines we think suit the bill this summer.  Stop by on Saturday and choose your own definition.

2016 Stift Gottweig, Grüner Veltliner $14
The Stift Goettweig’s high elevation Grüner Veltliner vineyards in Kremstal (all facing slightly to the north) produces gorgeously precise wines with finesse and tension.  The SGGV is animated in the nose, with notes of citrus fruits, red apples and rosewood, and on the palate fresh, fruity, and expressive with good length.

2016 Bodegas Cepa 21, Hito Ribera del Duero Rosado  $15
Tempranillo
The word “HITO” means milestone, a stone post, sometimes carved, used to indicate direction or distance on roads or to delimit fields. This Rosato has great aromatic intensity with aromas of ripe red fruit (strawberry and gooseberries).  The palate is full of juicy red fruit and citrus touches.

2016 Domaine Andre Neveu, Fricambault Sancerre Rosé  $25
Pinot Noir
From one of our favorite Sancerre producers, this Pinot Rosé is very attractive with light & aromatic strawberry flavors & a bone dry finish.  Wonderfully light and fruity, this delicious Sancerre rose is made from Pinot Noir grapes providing delicious aromas of fresh strawberries. Crisp and dry on the finish with classic Loire Valley minerality.

2015 Domaine Piron, Beaujolais Villages $18
Dominique Piron’s oldest known ancestor was born in Morgon in 1590. Since then, there have been 14 generations of wine growers in the family.   Their Villages level Beaujolais has perfumed red-berry fruits and balanced acidity, it is a savory wine that is ripe and ready to drink.

2015 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Cotes du Rhone Vieille Vignes  $18
60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
Domaine Olivier Hillaire is a small 23-acre estate. Olivier’s Old Vine Cotes Du Rhone is a blend of from vines located just across the Rhone River from Châteauneuf-Du-Pape.  The wine has intense fruit mixed with spicy flavors, fine tannins, and a very beautiful aromatic persistence.

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.

Things look pretty laid back in Madrona this weekend as we wait for the clouds to burn away and the sun to bring out our chilled rosé.  Here at Madrona wines we are going to be sliding long the 45th parallel and tasting some early summer wines from France, Italy and Croatia.  Slide on in and taste through the lineup.

Saturday we are bouncing through the backroads of France, from Chablis (47 degrees) to Provence (43 degrees) with stops in between.
2015 Domaine Pinson, Chablis $23
2015 Eric Laguerre, Eos Blanc Cotes de Roussillon $15
2016 Bastide des Oliviers, Provence Rosé $16
2015 Clos Fantine, Lanterne Rouge $17
2012 Chateau De Fontenille, Bordeaux Rouge $14

Sunday we are pouring two great summer whites from the Bastianich Winery in Friuli (46 degrees). Both the wines are at a fantastic price.

2013 Bastianich Malvasia Istria        $10
A dry Croatian Malvasia with soft and light notes of flowers, mineral and tropical fruit. The grapes come from across the Adriatic from Friuli at about the same latitude.
Was $20 now $10

2013 Bastianich Pinot Grigio      $10
A bone-dry Pinot Grigio. Refreshing and delicious, with delectable notes of pear and ripe apple.
Was $18 now $10

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.

Saturday, we get in the van and hit the backroads of France to taste wine with small importer Petit Monde.  Petit Monde specialized in smaller family estates, many of which are organically farmed, and all are clean pure wines that reflect their makers.  Come see what fell off the back of the truck.
 
2015 Domaine Pinson Chablis $23
Chardonnay
The Pinson family has farmed in Chablis since 1640.  Today Laurent and his daughter Charlène own 14 hectares of vines in the appellation.  The 2015 Chablis Villages spent six months in stainless steel on the fine lees, it has a taut cold stone, gun-flint bouquet. The palate is well balanced with a punchy, quite spicy entry, well-judged acidity and a finish that shows composure and tension.
 
2015 Eric Laguerre, Eos Blanc Cotes de Roussillon $15
40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Maccabeu and 30% Rolle
The Eos is grown on granite soils in Eric’s high-altitude organic vineyards. Very pale bronze color. The wine shows intriguing aromas of stone, dried pear, citrus and almond that deepen on the palate. Quite dense and backed with firm acidity and stone flavors, this is a real wine of the mountains, echoing the granite soils of Muscadet.
 
2016 Bastide des Oliviers, Provence Rosé $16
40%Cinsault, 30% Genache, 15% Carignan, 15% Syrah
La Bastide des Oliviers is located in the Var, with 10 acres of vines in organic farming.  The soil is argilo-calcareous and the climate is kind, protected from winds by the mountains of saint Beaume and of Loube. The wine is a light and elegant rosé with true Provence style.

2015 Clos Fantine, Lanterne Rouge  $17
50% Cinsault, 50% Aramon
Clos Fantine is a Faugeres estate that is owned by three siblings, Carole, Corinne and Olivier Andrieu with 28 hectares of vineyards which they organically farm.  The Lanterne Rouge is a blend of Cinsault and the local Aramon grape, a distinct combination that make a lighter fresh wine with flavors of bright red fruits over a hint of dry earth, leading to a mouthwatering, herb dusted finish.
 
2012 Chateau De Fontenille,  Bordeaux Rouge  $14
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vines have been grown at Fontenille since the 13th century when monks tended the vines.  Stéphane Defraine bought the property in 1989 and has gradually renovated the buildings and replanted and extended the vineyards. This Bordeaux Rouge is a solid wine with dusty aromas, dark fruit, a juicy mid palate and a dry finish with a deep resin note.

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.

Happy Memorial Day weekend.  For those of you who aren’t camping or vacating, Madrona Wine has a few things lined up to keep you refreshed and amused.

Saturday, we are pouring Summer Bubbles.  We have assembled some easy drinking sparkling wines to match any Barbeque or lawn party.  The corks come out at 2pm and the tasting lasts as long as the wine does.
Cune Cava Brut $11
Borgo Maragliano, Brut  $15
Chateau Moncontour, Les Quinze Arpents, Vouvray Brut  $15
Corteaura, Franciacorta  $20
2011 Graham Beck Brut Rosé $24

Sunday we’ll have two French Rosés open all day to match the great weather.

2016 Clos des Lumieres, Cotes du Rhone Rosé     $10
40% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Fresh off the boat the 2016’s are starting to land.  Strawberry and citrus aromas followed up by strawberry and cherry flavors with spiciness, and pink grapefruit. Magnum $20  

2016 Bellula Rosé    $12
60% Syrah, 40% Grenache
A Languedoc rosé with notes of violets, stone fruits, citrus, melon rind.

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.

Summer time and the living is easy.  To welcome it in we have assembled some easy drinking bubbles to match easy going the weather.  Stop by on Saturday as we pop the corks on these fresh sparklers that will match any Barbeque or lawn party.  The fat corks fly at 2pm and the tasting lasts as long as the wine does.  Come find a summer favorite.
 
Cune Cava Brut $11
50% Xarelo, 35% Macabeo, 15% Parellada
From a renowned Rioja producer CUNE expands out to Piendes to make these easy bubbles. It is a rich and crisp Cava with more body than you’d expect for the price. 
 
Borgo Maragliano, Brut  $15
Chardonnay
Borgo Maragliano sits 450 metres above sea level, in the heart of Loazzolo on a natural terrace in the Langhe hills. The chardonnay grape cultivated on these steep hills produces a sparkling wine via a process of refermentation in tank.  Fresh with bright acidity and steady effervescence.  The aromas are of citrus fruit, almonds and the aromas of freshly baked bread. 
 
Chateau Moncontour, Les Quinze Arpents, Vouvray Brut  $15
Chenin Blanc
The Chateau Moncontour winery is one of the oldest of the Loire Valley. It was created around the fourth century. Since the tenth century, caves have been excavated in the cliffs to vinify and preserve its wine. Their Quinze Arpents is a crisp Vouvray sparkler aged on the leas for 12 months.  It has notes of white flower, bread yeast and green apple flavors. 
 
Corteaura, Franciacorta  $20
Chardonnay
The Franciacorta region in Lombardy was the first DOC to specify that its sparkling wines be made metodo classico (like Champagne) and it has become recognized as the best area for sparkling wines in Italy.  Conteaura’s version has floral and fruity aromas of bread crust and yeast enriched with delicate notes of citrus and nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, dried white figs). The wine is savory, fresh, elegant and balanced.
 
2011 Graham Beck Brut Rosé $24
80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay
Graham Beck is a South African winery that focuses on bubbles made Méthode Champenoise.  Their Brut Rosé gains its hue from co-pressing the white and red varietals, followed by 36 months aging on the leas to build complexity.  It shows noticeable ripe blueberries and a subtle spiciness from the Pinot Noir with creamy complexity from the Chardonnay. An explosion of raspberry fruit and slight honeysuckle flavors on the palate, with a persistent yet delicate mousse.

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.

We (finally) have some good weather this weekend here in Madrona.  Time to dust off the grill and enjoy dining al fresco.  Before hand you might want to stretch those legs and come to Madrona Wine to get the right pairings. We’ve got a well paired line up of wine to try.

Saturday we are flying high with wines from Andeluna Winery in Argentina.  These grapes come from vineyards at 1300 meters, that is just a smidge over 4265 feet above sea level.  We’ll be pouring both some young and fresh and reserve wines. Come get high with us.
2014 1300 Torrontes  $13
2015 1300 Malbec  $13
2015 1300 Cabernet Sauvignon $13
2013 Altitud Malbec $30
2009 Altittud Cabernet Sauvingon $30 

Sunday we are getting graphic and pouring two wines that have fun label art as well as delicious juice inside that suits the warmer weather.

2016 Armas de Guerra Mencia Rosé       $10
A northwest Spanish Rosé with strawberry and mineral notes.

2013 Al-Cantara, Lu Veru Etna Rosso        $12
Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Capuccio
A lighter Etna red with notes of red berry, almond, cinnamon, and cacao. A fresh and versatile wine, good with a variety of food or just by itself on a sunny afternoon.

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.

Andeluna´s estate, in the mountains above Mendoza, is located in an almost 200 acre ranch above 1300 meters, in Gualtallary, Tupungato.  1300 meters is a long way up to grow grapes. This region’s attributes include rocky, calcareous and mineral soil, typified by the incomparable weather and marked with wide diurnal temperature swings due to high altitude. The combination allows them to make wines with exceptional intensity in color, aromatic expression and structure.  This Saturday we’ll be pouring three wines from their 1300 line (young wines that highlight the freshness of the fruit and the intensity of their youth) as well as a couple of their Altitud Reserve wines (these wines seek greater complexity, starting in the vineyard, where there is a low yield per hectare, which results in more concentrated fruit as well as freshness.)  Stop by on Saturday and get high with us.
 
2014 1300 Torrontes  $13
Andeluna’s Torrontes has aromas of white flowers, citric and tropical fruits –rue, jasmine and white peach stand out. The wine has a fresh attack with an intense finish.
 
2015 1300 Malbec  $13
Andeluna’s 1300 Malbec begins with floral notes of violets and a fruity expression of red plum and strawberry.  The palate is fresh, smooth and balanced.
 
2015 1300 Cabernet Sauvignon $13
The 1300 Cabernet Sauvignon has spicy notes of white pepper and clove along with notes of red peppers.  The wine has an outstanding tannic balance that makes it pleasant to drink. The spicy notes linger in the end.
 
2013 Altitud Malbec $30
Besides a careful fruit selection, the Altitude Malbec spend 12 months in barrel to develop the balance between the fruit and the tannins.  The wine offers a deeply spiced aroma, with richly concentrated flavors of dark chocolate, mocha and roasted plum, showing some serious tannins. Asian spice and black pepper accents emerge on the dense finish.
 
2009 Altittud Cabernet Sauvignon $30 
This 2009 Cab has a bit of bottle age on it giving it the complexity that only comes with cellaring.  The wine has intense aromas of black pepper and bell pepper and cassis and cherry. Red fruits such as cherry type and cassis are also perceived.  In the mouth, a wide concentration of fruit and spicy notes. Mature tannins and a lingering finish.

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.