The good weather is hanging around for the weekend here in Madrona.  And at Madrona Wine the corks are popping up like dandelions. Take a walk in the fresh air and see what’s open.

Saturday we are tasting some French Country Wines.   Come try such grapes as Gros Manseng , Braucol, Duras, Fer Servadou, Negrette and Tannat.  
2013 Domaine Castera, Jurancon Sec
2015 Domaine des Terrisses,  Gaillac Rosé
2014 Domaine du Cros, Marcillac $15
2013 Domaine Roumagnac,  Fronton Rouge
2010 Laffitte Teston, Madiran Vielles Vignes

Sunday we’ll be sampling a new deal we just picked up in a Châteauneuf du Pape.  It’s a deal you shouldn’t pass up.

2011 Domaine la Barroche, Châteauneuf du Pape  Was $70 Now $40
65% Grenache, 35% Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault
“Vivid ruby. Dark berry and floral scents show very good clarity and spicy lift. Offers gently sweet black and blue fruit flavors that spread out with air, picking up subtle anise and sassafras nuances and a hint of white pepper. Lingers with very good energy and spiciness and gentle tannic grip.” — Josh Raynolds

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 all day from 11-5.

The Southwest of France is a diverse and isolated wine region. From South of Bordeaux the classical varietals give way to more local provincial grapes distinct to their region.  Come by this Saturday as we navigate our way through this countryside.  Come try Gros Manseng, Braucol, Duras, Fer Servadou, Negrette and Tannat.  
 
2013 Domaine Castera, Jurancon Sec $17
95% Gros Manseng, 5% Petit Manseng
The Jurancon Sec rests “sur lie” with frequent stirring until the following spring which makes a powerful, intense, floral and dry Juracon white with green apple, tropical fruit and limestone notes.  
 
2015 Domaine des Terrisses,  Gaillac Rosé $14
50% Syrah, 25% Braucol, 25% Duras.
Domaine des Terrisses has been the property of the Cazottes family since 1750. The vineyard is situated along the “Premiere Cotes” of Gaillac, the hillsides facing south-southwest toward the Tarn river. The vineyard is planted almost entirely with the traditional grape varieties of the region; The Rosé is produced using the saignée method with maceration lasting about 12 hours.  The wine has aromas of tangy, barely-ripe strawberries, blackberries, and a whiff of resinous herbs. On the palate it’s got delicious berry fruit, refreshing acidity, and enough body to stand up to a wide variety of foods.
 
2014 Domaine du Cros, Marcillac $15
Marcillac, (Fer Servadou)
Domaine du Cros, with its 22 hectares, is the largest independent producer in the appellation. Much of his vineyard is terraced and the soil is an iron rich clay known locally as “rougier” with outcroppings of limestone. His wines are made from the local grape Marcillac which shows lots of white pepper, minerals, leather, and dark berry fruit.  Sustainable.
 
2013 Domaine Roumagnac,  Fronton Rouge $15
50% Negrette, 25% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc.
Roumagnac is a family run, sustainably farmed estate in Fronton where the primary grape variety is the fragile Négrette.  Its expression is intense: fresh red fruit (currant and cassis) mingle with a light licorice palette.  Cab Franc gives freshness, Cab Sauvignon adds good structure, and Syrah brings sweetness and gives aromatic echoes the Négrette’s licorice note.
 
2010 Laffitte Teston, Madiran Vielles Vignes $23
The appellation Madiran is situated among the northern foothills of the Pyrenées in the heart of Gascony. The Vieilles Vignes cuvee is 100% Tannat and is produced from 80-year-old vines that have particularly low yields. The juice stays in contact with the must for 21 days during which period the juice is pumped over the cap twice a day obtaining great extraction. The wine is aged in new and one-year-old barrels for 13 months. The wine is full and dark with lots of tannic structure.

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 all day from 11-5.

Our sunny weekday weather has been replaced with a more toned down hue.  But at Madrona Wine we have a few things in store to brighten the weekend.

Saturday we’re focusing on wines from Montsant, Conca de Barbera, and Priorat, a little nexus of appellations in northeast Spain that produce some big bold reds.
2014 Pazo de Señorans,Albariño Rias Baixas
2013 Capcanes, Mas Donis Barrica, Montsant
2012 Clos di Nit, Crianza Montsant
2012 Cara Nord, Negre, Conca de Barbera
2013 Mas Doix, les Crestes, Priorat

 Sunday is the Artist Reception for our current show of painting by Anna Macrae. 
Anna Macrae is a process artist. She responses to the technics and processes that she has developed. This exhibition explores a range mark making as a visual language. The work conveys a strong reference to shape and form whilst demonstrating a variety of application techniques.  Come meet her and see the show from 3 to 5.

Mark will have an artistic red and an expressive white open all day to help the appreciation.

2015 La Croix Belle Caringole    ($10)
50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
A crisp rosé from the South of France with light fruit and nice floral notes that Cotes de Thongue.
12.5% alcohol by volume

2013 Esporão Alandra Red    ($9)
Moreto, Castelão, Trincadeira
Esporão’s easy drinking red is made of a blend of three indigenous varietals. It has youthful fruit aromatics and light floral notes.

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 all day from 11-5.

This Saturday we are tasting wines from the two coasts of the north of Spain We’ll start with a big white from the Atlantic side in Rias Baixas and then continue on to some big bodied reds of the Mediterranean side from Monsant, Conca de Barbera, and Priorat.  The wines full and bold as the culture they come from.  Come join us.
 
2014 Pazo de Señorans, Albariño Rias Baixas $20
From Rias Baixas on the coast of Northwest Spain, the Pazo Señorans is made with 100% Albariño grapes that grow on 35-year old vines in 20 acres of lovingly cared vineyards that receive the sea breeze from the Atlantic Ocean.   The Pazo takes Albariño to a whole new level.  The 2014 is wonderfully perfumed with round viscous body packed with a cornucopia of citrus flavors.
 
2013 Capcanes, Mas Donis Barrica, Montsant   $12   Tasting Special Normally $14
85% Grenache, 15% Syrah
In North East Spain, Montsant wraps around the celebrated Priorat. While the soils generally contain less schist than Priorat, their pricing represents much greater value.  The old-vine Garnacha in this blend is primarily from an indigenous clone called Garnacha del Pais.  The wine is barrel aged for nine months before release.  It shows wild red and black berry flavors, cherry, spices and herbs as well as smooth vanilla oaky toasty notes.  It is ripe and complex on the palate with loads of sweet vibrant fruit, soft and velvet tannins and a nicely refreshing finish
 
2012 Clos di Nit, Crianza Montsant  $12
40% Garnacha, 40% Cariñena, 20% Syrah
Clos de Nit is a Catalan phrase meaning “vineyard of the night.” The vineyards are spread out across the mountainous slopes among olive groves, forests, and stone. Loose red sands and limestone are found here. Their Crianza has red and black fruits with earth and dried fruit overtones.  Its tannins are noticeable but very pleasant and it shows a long, persistent finish. 
 
2012 Cara Nord, Negre, Conca de Barbera $17
42% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 20% Garrut
Lesser known than its neighbors, the Conca de Barbera appellation is northeast of Priorat and Montsant, and west of Penedes.  The Negre’s blackcurrant and cherry skin aromas show gentle spiciness and a touch of dried herbs. The wine is smooth and pliant on the palate, offering ripe black and blue fruit flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate with a smoky note on the finish, along with an echo of cherry and dusty tannins.
 
2013 Mas Doix, les Crestes, Priorat $25
80% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah
Les Crestes vineyards are situated at a height of 400 meters above sea level on hillsides of pronounced slopes, with the characteristic slate soil called “licorella”. A third of the grapes for les Crestes come from vineyards of more than 50 years old, and the rest come from vineyards with an average of 15/20 years old.  The wine has earthy, dark fruits, orange peel, chocolate, leather, cumin, and general freshness which continue in the body along with a boost of oak and dried herbal notes.

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 all day from 11-5.

In honor of Easter we have wines open from both hemispheres – a lovely “peep-friendly” German Muskat and a lighter “ham-friendly” Argentine Bonarda. Come check them out all day (well, 11am-5pm) Sunday.

2010 Anselmann Morio Muskat    ($10)
A floral lighter German Muskat with a lot of fruity character without being overly sweet. Great with fruit and cheese.
10.5 % alcohol by volume

2013 Altos las Hormigas
Colinia las Liebres    ($8)
Bonarda
Mendoza Region
Bright raspberry fruit flavors. Rich and tasty. Take this bunny home with you.

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.

The Corsini estate was founded in 1995 by Loredana Addari and Nicola Argamante, a couple with a passion for the countryside and a love for great wines.  Their small 10 hectares estate in Monforte d’Alba, in the heart of the Langhe hills, was the perfect place for them to put their Viticulture and Oenology degrees to work.  Monforte d’Alba is the southernmost commune of Barolo known for sturdy, muscular wines due to the sandstone clay found in the soils here. The Corsini wines walk a nice line between the traditionalists and modernists.  Their wines are indicative of the place, but still are accessible and highly drinkable even at a young age.  All the grapes are sustainably farmed.  The wines are also minimally sulfured and not usually fined or filtered. This Saturday we have the treat of pouring a lineup of their wines.  Come have a taste.
 
2014 Langhe Bianco   $14
50% Arneis, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay
This unique white blend from the Langhe immediately impresses with an engaging array of apple, pear and gooseberry aromas and a bright palate of layered fruit and crisp acidity. 
 
2014 Dolcetto  $14
Dolcetto d’Alba is a wine that is characterized by its fragrance and freshness: it has a ruby-red color with hues of violet, with a fresh, very fruity fragrance and a totally dry, rich and harmonious flavor that leaves a lingering aroma of tangy almond enhanced by the tannins.”
 
2014 Barbera d’Alba   $16
The 2014 Corsini Babera is fantastic.  It jumps from the glass with loads of ripe plum, bright acidity and rich earthy undertones that keep your palate guessing.

2011 Langhe Nebbiolo  $20
The 2011 Langhe Nebbiolo is from two different vineyard sites—one is within the Barolo appellation and the other is just outside the appellation limits. This wine has red fruits, pretty florals and spicy aromatics dominate the nose while the palate is well-structured with a nice fruitiness through the middle. The palate has a light hit of blood orange in addition to minerals and a forest floor note.  The wine is charming but sturdy and doesn’t not shy away from bold flavors.
 
2011 Barolo Bussia  $40
Corsini’s Bussiavineyard covers 1.1 hectares of 30 to 50 year old vines.  The wine ages for 30 months in a mix of new 1^st and 2^nd year barrels developing its character.  It has ruby red color with garnet to orange overtones. The Bussia open with a rush of fresh aromas of candied cherries, plums, strawberries and raspberries along with darker tones of hazelnuts, licorice, with herbs, cinnamon and vanilla. The ripe, solid palate offers black cherry, tobacco and espresso alongside gripping, dry tannins that leave you wanting more.

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 usually have two bottles open for you to try on Sunday – this Sunday we’ve got two bottles in one! The Mighty March Magnum. And it’s Organic to boot.

Massimo de Gregorio
Nero Terre Siciliane    ($25)
70% Nero d’Avola, 30% Syrah
Made by Marchesi de Gregorio in northwest Sicily, Belice Valley. The Nero is full and dark without being too fruity or over ripe (its only 13%). And a great deal at what works out to be $12.50 a bottle. Organic.
13% alcohol by volume

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.

Spring arrives this weekend and here at Madrona Wine we are ready to welcome it.  Sunny or Showers we’ve got some good wines to try.  Stop in and enjoy the change of season.

Saturday we’ll be trying a selection of French wines that cover all the bases.
2013 Kuentz-Bas, Alsace Blanc
2015 Domaine Croix Belle Rosé 
2013 Laurent Gauthier, Grands Cras, Morgon
2009 Chateau La Vielle Cure, La Sacristie de la Ville Cure Fronsac
2011 Domaine Grand Veneur, Lirac Clos de Sixte

Sunday, we are cracking open a big bottle of a big Nero d’Avola blend.
Massimo de Gregorio, Nero  $25– 1.5liter
70% Nero d’Avola, 30% Syrah
Made by Marchesi de Gregorio in northwest Sicily, Belice Valley. The Nero is full and dark without being too fruity or over ripe (its only 13%). And a great deal at what works out to be $12.50 a bottle, and it is organic to boot.  13% alcohol by volume

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.

This Saturday we are covering the some of the classic terroir driven wines of France — from the cool climate of Alsace to the warm vineyards of the Rhône and the Languedoc.  Come traipse & taste the country with us.
 
2013 Kuentz-Bas, Alsace Blanc $12
60% Sylvaner, 20% Muscat, 20% Auxerrois
The domaine as we know it today was forged through a marriage that joined the Kuentz and Bas families in 1895. Nestled in the town of Husseren-les-Châteaux, it sits at one of the highest points in Alsace, and the vineyards stretch out from the village over an area of ten hectares.   It is a dry but floral Alsatian blend that combines honeysuckle, peach and apricot flavors. Biodynamic
 
2015 Domaine Croix Belle Rosé  $10
50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
A crisp rosé from the South of France in the Languedoc region Cotes de Thongue. This lively, fruity rose has an intense nose of rose petals and pear drop candies, with a ripe juicy fruit and crisp acidity in the mouth.
 
2013 Laurent Gauthier, Grands Cras, Morgon $18
Gamay
Morgon is considered the most ‘masculine’ of the Grand Cras. This Beaujolais supports that theory. An old vine cru gamy at a great price, the Gauthier has aromas of red cherry, strawberry, black pepper, cinnamon, violets, vanilla and cedar. It is a feast for the nose.  The palate delivers a little tartness with cranberry and black earth.  It is medium bodied with grippy, dry tannins on the finish.
 
2009 Chateau La Vielle Cure, La Sacristie de la Ville Cure $18
74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 4%Cabernet Sauvignon
La Sacristie is the Second wine of this Fronsac Chateau produced from the younger vines of the estate.  It showcases rich aromas of figs, plum, and a touch of coffee with slight firm tannins and a fresh and spicy finish.
 
2011 Domaine Grand Veneur, Lirac Clos de Sixte $30
50% Grenache noir, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
The vineyards of Lirac face those of Chateauneuf du Pape on the opposite side of the Rhône river, with similar soil on sides.  Owned and farmed by Alain Jaume, the Clos de Sixte vineyard uses certified organic practices. On the nose, aromas of red and black ripe fruit (kirsch and wild Blackberry) are dominant. The mouth is full, with aromas of blackcurrant liquor and spice. Tannins are both harmonious and elegant thanks to the fleshy of the wine. The end display hints of licorice and vanilla, which give to the wine length and complexity.

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.