During the winter, people all over hunker down, gather together and celebrate the past year and anticipate the next with feasting and conviviality.  Saturday we have pulled together a selection of festive wines that you’ll want to include in you hunker down.  Some come from the old world, some from close by but all will warm you through the dark and damp holidays.
 
Cave de Bissey, Cremant de Bourgogne Brut $18
Chardonnay
Close to Givry and Buxy, Bissey is on the cool side of the Côte Chalonnaise, giving its sparkling wines that extra freshness. This Brut is bright, crisp, laced with apples and tangy lemon zest, soft fruit flavors of green apples, peach & apricot along with warm notes of toasted bread. Lovely delicate bubbles linger through the finish.
 
2012 Bodegas Arzabro, Txakoli  Luzia de Ripa  $20
90% Hondarrabi Zuri (aka Petit Corbu), 10% Izpiriotza Txikia (aka Petit Manseng)
Bodegas Arzabro is a family-owned winery producing Txakolí from a 15 acres of vineyard located in Basque Country of Spain. The vineyard is named Larrimbe, meaning “my mother’s vineyard,” a fitting name for a parcel that has been handed down from mother to daughter for over four generations.  The Hondarrabi Zuri and Izpiriotza Txikia vines were planted at the beginning of the century.  The wine is aged on its lees for about 6 months giving a richness to the crisp fruit.  Luizia is a succulent and still Txakoli with lots of rich pear and citrus notes.
 
2012 Notre Dame de Laval des Vignerons of Agly, Côtes de Roussillon  $10
45% Carignan, 40% Grenache, 15% Syrah
From Roussillon in the South of France “Our Lady” is made from very old vines Carignan and Grenache.  The wine is distinguished by garrigue and laurel notes as well as its soft smooth fruit.
 
2012 Robert Ramsay Mason’s Red   $18
Ramsay is a small craft winery in Woodinville that specializes in Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Red blends built on fruit from Horse Heaven Hills, Snipes Mountain and Boushey Vineyards. Mason’s Red is a Syrah-based blend that changes every year-picking up the flavors and the personality of the winemaker and the vintage.  It is created as a “food friendly” wine with generous acidity to complement all foods-except maybe breakfast cereal
 
2012 Darby, Dark Side Syrah  $30
Darby English makes some of our favorite Washington wines.  His Chaos, Le Deuce, and Purple haze regularly have a spot on our shelves.  Rumored to be Darth Vader’s favorite wine, the Dark Side resides there as well. It has ripe flavors of sweet spice, blackberry, sage and a layer of smoky minerality seem to last forever. Very complex, this Syrah is big but has a velvety texture and will age nicely over the next 5 years.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

Sunday we are looking ahead to the holidays and sampling our White Port Winter Holiday cocktail. The perfect pre-dinner drink. You know you’ll want one (or maybe two).

The Madrona

•    2 parts White Port

•    1 part Pomegranate Juice

•    1 part Sparkling Water

•    1 big twist of lime (use a potato peeler)

•    2 dashes Regan’s Orange Bitters

•    Garnish with a Bordeaux Cherry and a little of the syrup

And we will have a recipe booklet for you to take home.

Alves des Sousa Caldas White Port    ($10)
White port is one of those things most people don’t know what to do with. But try it on the rocks with citrus peel, or play around and make up a new cocktail.
Was $20 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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

The holidays and effervescence somehow just go together.  So this Saturday we are pouring 4 frothy delights for your palate.  They are all pleasantly refreshing and a great way to toast any holiday get together.  The corks come out at 2 and we’ll be pouring the wine for as long as the bubbles last.

Andreala Dirupo, Brut Prosecco DCOG $14
90% Glera, 5% Bianchetta, 5% Perera
Andreola situated on the green hills of Treviso in the Venetian hills. 28 hectares of vineyards are farmed almost exclusively to the Glera (Prosecco) grape, with a small amount of other native grapes that have been used in small percentages since ancient times to give an authentic flavor. The fermentation temperature is kept low so that the fermentation is slower and therefore the bubbles formed are smaller and of higher character. Aromas of peach and passion fruit along with good mineral notes frame the lively effervescence.

Dr Loosen Sparkling Riesling $14
Dr. L Sparkling Riesling is 100% pure made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation is done in a pressurized tank to keep the bubbles in the wine. This produces bright, clean sparkling wines in a more affordable way.  The wine is clean, crisp and fruity and of course bubbly.

Jallance, Cremant de Bourgogne  $18
The other way Burgundians use Chardonnay, the Jaillance has a fine and abundant effervescence, the nose is bold with an alluring scent of wild rose. Citrus fruit, apple and pear flavors mingle with the fresh buttery taste characteristic of Chardonnay, and fullness and persistency are provided by honey overtones. This wine shows a richer, smoother mouthfeel than others of its ilk. The nose is nicely toasty, with tropical fruit aromas and mint. Flavors are similar, dealing out nicely oaked fruit that goes down easily.

Joel Falmet Brut Tradition  $43
70% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay
Joël Falmet’s vineyards are located in the Aube within the Côtes des Bar region of Champagne. The domaine consists of a small family vineyard of only 6.5 hectares (approx. 15.5 acres) that has been passed down through the family for several generations. Joël who took over the winery in the early 1990s was the first in the family to produce an estate bottled wine. The style is clean, and full bodied, fresh, lively and elegant with flavors of flowers, minerals, citrus and anise.

2010 Domaine des Bernardins, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise  $14 –375ml
75% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, 25% Muscat Noir à Petits Grains
After the bubbles we’ll be finishing with the classic dessert wine of the Rhône.  The Bernadins has classic notes of mandarin, apricot, molasses, figs and quince to beguile and a subtle gingery backdrop. Domaine des Bernardins’ Muscat does age well, turning copper-colored, richer and rounder with a very long finish. It will mature well for 20 years or 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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

These elegant artisanal ciders were developed by maitre liquoriste Deirdre Heekin of Eden Ice Cider Company in West Charleston, VT.

Eden Sparkling Dry Cider                                    ($9 for 375ml)
Eden Sparkling Dry Cider is made with locally grown apples, including traditional heirloom and cider varieties. 50% of the blend is Kingston Black, a classic British cider variety.  The cider is fermented and aged in French oak puncheons for a year, then bottled with a secondary fermentation that is created with additional juice rather than sugar. After another 6 months each bottle is hand-disgorged in a careful process that removes the yeast but retains the vibrant natural effervescence of the in-bottle fermentation.  The finished cider has 8.5% alcohol as a result of using true cider variety apples that have higher beginning sugar levels than typical dessert apples. Eden Sparkling Dry is full-flavored, tannic, clean and very dry with a champagne-like mouth feel and bright acidity. It is a wonderful accompaniment to food, including barbecue, cheeses, grilled fish and especially oysters! 

ORLEANS HERBAL                         ($30)
CIDER INFUSED WITH HERBS
100% Vermont grown fruit and herbs.
No added sugar, coloring or flavoring of any kind. Using our Northern winter cold to concentrate fresh-pressed cider from Vermont apples, we fermented the concentrate to make a pure dry wine infused with a special blend of Vermont-grown herbs. A refreshing, aromatic wine, the Orleans Herbal has delicate apple flavor and white floral, honey, and anise notes. Serve over ice with a twist of lime, or use it in cocktails. 15.5% alcohol by volume.

ORLEANS BITTER                        ($35)
CIDER WITH RED CURRANT AND BITTERS
100% Vermont grown apples and herbs.
Traditional and heirloom varieties of apples, infused with red currant and blended with dandelion, gentian and angelica bitters. Using our Northern winter cold to concentrate fresh-pressed cider, we fermented the concentrate to make a pure dry cider, and then infused it with red currant and blended it with dandelion, gentian and angelica bitters from Urban Moonshine in Burlington, Vermont. Orleans Bitter is perfect for making classic cocktails such as Negronis, Manhattans and Americanos. It may also be used as an aperitif over ice by itself or with sparkling water (or wine). 16% 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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

This Saturday we’ll be presenting some wines that speak to their origins.  They come to us from importer Eric Solomon who has developed a talent for finding unique and value packed wines. Such local varieties as Bobal,
Mencia and Listan Negro, talk loudly of their place. The wines speak for themselves and we think you’ll leave singing their praises.
 
2013 Conreria d ‘Scala Dei, Black Slate, la Morera Blanc $20
93% Garnatxa Blanca 7% Pedro Ximenes
From the highest altitude, coolest vineyards located in Priorat, the la Morera is left on its leas over winter, a technique that helps to impart a lovely creaminess to the wine.  The black slate has notes of orange blossom, citrus, crushed stone, and honeycomb, and a noteworthy richness on the palate.  
 
2011 Cuartro Passo Bierzo  $13
Mencía
100% Mencía elaborated from grapes chosen from the over 80-year-old vines from the slated lands located in the high areas of the Bierzo region.  The Cuatro Passo sees two months of oak and possesses many layers of flavor and complexity with notes of black plum and cherry, hints of tobacco, and a touch of bittersweet chocolate.
 
2012 Cherubino Valsangiacomo, Bobal de SanJuan  $12
Utiel Requena is a growing zone located within the province of Valencia where Bobal is the major native grape.  The Cherubino comes from 60 to 80-year-old vines, and is aged four months in concrete, leaving just the fruit to show through.  It shows blueberry and sweet and sour cherry fruit intermixed with notions of chalk and strawberries.
 
2012 Casa Castillo Monastrell  $12
From Jumilla, Casa Castillo’s Monastrell (100% Mourvedre) comes from old vines and ages six months in neutral French oak barrels.  The wine has “complex aromas of red berry liqueur, cherry pit and floral pastilles. Smooth, expansive black raspberry and cherry compote flavors are energized by tangy acidity. The floral note recurs on the finish, which features silky tannins and a late note of cracked pepper.”
 
2012 Suertes del Marques 7 Fuentes   $21
90% Listan Negro, 10% Tintilla (Trousseau)
From the Canary Islands, 7 Fuentes means 7 fountains and is a blend of several plots (Los Geranios, Los Pasitos, and El Montijo) in the Valle de la Orotava.  This is Suertes’ entry level red – they refer to it as their village wine.  The wine has Asian spice-accented red berries and white pepper on the nose.  Its juicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are underscored by a zesty mineral quality and subtle tannic grip.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.

This time of year the question arises what to serve with Thanksgiving Dinner.  There is advice in every newspaper and magazine you happen to open.  What goes with such an array of flavors?  Well the truth is that it is more wine than they would have you think.  Sure a few wines might not be the best choices but a vast number of wines fit the bill just fine.  Stop by the shop this Saturday when we’ll be pouring a flight of wines that we think will match your meal to a tee.

Case Bianche Prosecco Superiore DOCG Cognegliano Valdobbiadene Extra Dry  $16
There is never a wrong time for bubbles and the Case Bianche is a very high quality Prosecco that has all the right letters. DOCG.  It is round and supple with a dry-yet-fruity medium body, tangy green apple and mineral notes.

2013 L’Ecole  Chennin Blanc  $16
From our home boys in Walla Walla, this fresh and vibrant Chenin Blanc shows abundant expressive aromatics of jasmine, passion fruit, and orange blossom with flavors of star fruit and apple on a balanced, crisp mineral finish.  They have produced this old vine, crisp and aromatic Vouvray-style Chenin Blanc since 1987.

2012 Soléna, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Grand Cuvee $24
The Grand Cuvee is a combination of vineyards from though out the Willamette including Domaine Danielle Laurent (Yamhill-Carlton), Grand Cru Estates (Yamhill-Carlton) Hyland (McMinnville), Zena Crown (Eola-Amity Hills), Willakia (Eola-Amity Hills), Bailey (Chahalem) and Monk’s Gate (Yamhill-Carlton). It has a full fruity nose with a hint of violet. The brightness shows up front the vivacity of the fruit with layers of black and red cherry. The structure is round with just enough tannin on a light creamy coffee roast finish.

2011 Giralamo Russo, a Rina Etna Rosso $25
Nerrello Mascalese
Russo’s a Rina is a truly delicious wine grown on the north slopes of Mt Etna.  It has a nose of red fruits, pepper and wild flowers along with flavors of cherry, pomegranate, red current and a smoldering hint of smoke.  One sip and you’re hooked.

2011 Soos Creek Sundance, Columbia Valley Red Wine $20 
38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 15% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Franc
Sundance Red Wine uses fruit from the Charbonneau and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards.  The wine is medium bodied, with a delicious purity of fruit with cornucopia of flavor nuances — juicy cherry, raspberry, herb, spice box and cedar 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 two wines all day from 11-5. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.