This Saturday we breath in a breath of fresh air from France.  Lively Bubbles, a crisp white, a Rhone red, a beautiful Bordeaux and a dark Malbec.  Swing by the shop for a sip.

Veuve Moisans Brut, Blanc de Blancs $12
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.
An elegant, lively Blanc de Blancs with a fruity, floral nose and complex, elegant flavors. Its lively qualities are the result of a lengthy aging process with the grape pulps. It shows a w well balanced acidity and gives a smooth long finish.
 
2017 Chateau Vignol, Entre deux Mers $14
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sauvignon Gris, 15% Sémillon, 10% Muscadelle,
The Vignol is full of apple and pear flavors. Its crisper side offers a more lemon and tangy citrus character. These two elements are coming together in a balanced wine.
 
2015 Joseph Castan, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Plan de Dieu $15
Grenache and Syrah
The Castan Plan de Dieu is a very harmonious Côtes du Rhône with fine, dark fruit flavors and spicy notes from a lesser known (so good value) appellation. Its palate offers black berries, spices and herbal hints. Its texture is pleasantly structured and round on the palate. The tannins are soft and initiate a fruity finish.
 
2015 Château Les Hauts de Plaisance, Haut Medoc  $15
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
This second wine from Château Pontoise Cabarus has a complex aromatic nose of red fruit, berries, coffee, and spice. The palate has a delicious balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity this wine tastes of cherry and blackberry, with a hint of coffee and chocolate.
 
2014 Château Eugénie,  Cuvée Réservée de l’Aïeul, Cahors  $20
90% Malbec, 10% Tannat
The “black wine” of France, this Malbec from Cahors is aged eighteen months in barrel, giving an aromatic complexity (notes roasted, vanilla, dark chocolate, very ripe black fruit, violet), The palate has a “gentle power” of velvety tannins, concentrated, and full of fruit and freshness.  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.

It looks like we are in for a beautiful weekend here in Madrona.  Here at the wine shop we are making it even better with summery sampling of tasty wines.  Come have a taste and improve your weekend as well.

Saturday we have five pure varietals from Italy.
2017 Vallevo, Trebbiano $10
2016 Marangona, Lugana, Tre Campane $18
2015 Agostion Pavia, Barbera di Asti Moliss $20
2017 Anna Maria Abbona, Dolcetto di Dogliani Sori Dij $21
Barbolini, Grasparossa di Castolvente Lambrusco $15

Sunday we are cracking open two Rosés from “the Continent” to keep up with our warm weather.
2018 Regaleali, Le Rosé  $14
Nerello Mascalese
Le Rosé offers delicate aromas of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and, appropriate to its name, rose petals. Rich on the palate with refreshing acidity and a long, flavorful finish, this is what Sicilians enjoy in the summertime.
2018 J P Bourgeois, Elicio Rose  $13
60% Grenache, 40% Syrah
The Elicio has aromas full of fresh red raspberry notes, the palate confirms the aromas revealed by the creamy nose. Very fruit forward, this wine can be enjoyed with your everyday meals or by itself.

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’re experiencing the pure flavor of five Italian grape varietals. The wines are focused and fresh, and very distinct.  Join us as we taste our way through Trebbiano, Verdicchio, Barbera, Dolcetto and Lambrusco Grasparossa.
 
2017 Vallevo, Trebbiano  $10
From a small co-operative winery in the Abruzzo region, this Trebbiano has aromas of almond, citrus and a hint of herbs. It is bone dry and finishes with a very attractive hint of apple-skin.
 
2016 Marangona,  Lugana,  Tre Campane  $18
The Lugana appellation is around the base of Lake Garda, one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Lugana is in fact made of a kind of Verdicchio, which is known near Lake Garda as Trebbiano di Lugana or Turbiana.  Tre Campane means ‘three bells,’ signifying the three communes of Lugana where the grapes for this cuvee are grown.  The Tre Campani has the aroma and flavor of almonds, herbs, citrus and a hint of apricot.  It is long and medium-bodied, with very fresh acidity. 
 
2015 Agostion Pavia, Barbera di Asti Moliss $20
Agostino Pavia and his sons Giuseppe (‘Pino’) and Mauro make this single-vineyard Barbera from old vines and aged in large Slovenian oak ovals (‘botti’) and 500L barrels; it is the closest thing to a traditional Asti but cleaner and more concentrated. (These larger oval barrels, usually made of Eastern European oak, give the wine only a hint of oak aroma, when new, and a different texture.) This Barbera has the aroma of raspberries with a hint of herbs.  The palate has a broad, meaty quality from the aging in large barrels and good acidity, not to mention a long, persistent finish.
 
2017 Anna Maria Abbona, Dolcetto di Dogliani  Sori Dij $21
The quality of Dolcetto from the village of Dogliani has been skyrocketing in the last few years, and Anna Maria’s work is a good example of this. Her oldest vines were planted by her grandfather in the thirties, and the vineyards are steep and perfectly exposed. Sori’ is Piedmontese dialect for the sunny south face of a hill. This is classic Dogliani Dolcetto, fermented and aged in stainless steel. It shows great color, reddish purple and violet-tinged, aromas of blueberries and tealeaf, and some tea tannins to go with the abundant fruit on the palate.
 
Barbolini, Grasparossa di Castolvente Lambrusco  $15
Lambrusco is a family of grape varieties, Lambrusco Grasparossa is the particular variety of Lambrusco, and Castelvetro is where it’s from (near Modena). The grapes are estate grown and fermented into a dry red base wine, then batches of the base wine are re-fermented in special reinforced tanks to add bubbles. The wine is bottled in a champagne bottle with a champagne cork. This wine bears no resemblance to the mass-produced Lambrusco that was popular some years ago.   The wine is an attractive purplish red with vigorous purple foam when poured.  The aroma is of plums and black fruit; medium weight on the palate, dry and plummy, with a faint bitterness at the 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.

Forget what the weather is here.  Forget what the weather is there.  Drop by and taste some great wines this Saturday at the wine shop and get ready for Bastille Day.
 
2017 HB Pomerol Picpoul $13
100% Picpoul
A traditional local variety planted on sun-drenched hillsides in the Mediterranean garrigue (garrigue is the name given to open scrubland made up of low-growing, dwarf bushy shrubs including holm oak, juniper, broom and wild herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage). The vines are 15-20 years old. The wine has fine aromas of grapefruit and exotic fruit with Lime flavors and focused acidity—the hallmarks of Picpoul.  It is crisp and fresh and ready for summer or shellfish.
 
2014 D’Orschwihr Cremant d’Alsace Extra Brut Rosé $21
Pinot Noir
This rosé has spent 3 years on slats which gives it its persistent bubbles.  The nose opens gently towards red fruit notes, the fine and distinguished palate finds a fine balance between liveliness and silky structure.
 
2018 La Croix Belle Rosé $10
50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
This lively, fruity rose is filled with ripe, juicy fruits, rose petals and pear drops.  It has an intense nose of rose petals and pear drop candies, with a ripe juicy acidity in the mouth.
 
2018 Moulin de La Roque, Les Adrets Bandol Rosé $23
70% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 10% Cinsault
Les Adrets means “Sunny Side” as the vineyards that produce Les Adrets sit upon hillsides facing south east, steep enough to require the growers to plant the vines in stone wall terraces called “restanques”.  Les Adrets is produced from younger vines planted in the five diverse Bandol soil types: rudist limestone, Triassac pebbles, black marl, sandy marl, and red sand.  This wine is warm, ripe and fruity. Red-berry flavors have a smoky edge as well as crisp perfumed acidity, giving richness and freshness at the same time.
 
2015 Domaine Rolet Arbois Vieilles Vignes Poulsard  $24
100% Poulsard
The Rolet is made exclusively from the low yield production Poulsard grapes from 50 year old vines and then aged in older large casks for 12 months.  The Vieilles Vignes has a nose red fruits, strawberries and cherry — pleasant acidity and bright red fruit lead the way, with subtle spice and a gamey, wild undertone. On the palate there is a good balance of fine tannins making it an extremely pleasant wine.

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 forecast is for grey skies this weekend in Madrona, but here at the wine shop we have some sunny wines from Italy and France lined up to brighten the day if not the weather.  Come by and have a taste..

Saturday we have some easy going, great value wines from Italy.
2017 Terre del Bruno, Albore  $16
80% Vermentino, 20% Trebbiano
2015 Alcesti Edesia  $15
Grillo
2014 Pometti, Toscana Rosso   $15
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
2015 Alcesti Admeto $15
Syrah
2014 Talamonti Tre Saggi  $21
Montepluciano

Sunday we move to the south of France with a Cinsault Rosé from the Languedoc and an Village level old-vine blend from the Rhone.
2018 Reserve de Marande Cinsault Rosé $10
From the Languedoc, the Marande is 100% Cinsault. It is fresh and fruity with raspberries, pears and cherries, a flowery light body, pleasant acidity, and a medium finish. 12% alcohol by volume
2016 Lauribert Carelette Valréas Côtes du Rhone Villages $12
70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
From old-vine vineyards on clay-limestone soil. The Carelette is a rich and well-balanced Rhone with woodland aromas and dry berry fruit and a spicy finish. Was $15 now $12

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 featuring some easygoing Italian wines to match the good weather.  Come load up the picnic basket with these great value wines. They are fresh, lively and highly addictive.  Come get hooked.

2017 Terre del Bruno, Albore  $16
80% Vermentino, 20% Trebbiano
Made by Fattoria Pogni a 3rd generation family winery in in Florence, Terre del Bruno is dedicated to the founding grandfather.  This Tuscan white is  fresh, fruity, intense, floral bouquet; lively palate.
 
2015 Alcesti Edesia  $15
Grillo
A family run winery in Sicily Alscesti has 30 hectares of land that lie between Marsala, Mazara and Salemi, with altitudes ranging from 100 to 280 meters, express the typical Sicilian territory of vineyards inherited from their forefathers The Grillo has a strong bouquet of yellow fruits with delicate nuances of citrus fruits and herbs. It has great freshness and is tangy on the palate. a good body & bright citrus fruit flavors.  Organic

2014 Pometti, Toscana Rosso
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
A tasty little Super Tuscan with rich cherry and beery flavors  mixed with some earth and coffee note.
 
2015 Alcesti Admeto $15
Syrah
This Sicilian Syrah has a rich and mellow bouquet and notes of wild berries in perfect harmony with spicy hints of black pepper and balsamic notes. It has a generous flavor, with a pleasant tannic, velvety and persistent sensation.

2014 Talamonti Tre Saggi  $21
Montepluciano
The Talamonti vineyard-estate comprises 32 hectares dedicated to the production of classic Abruzzo grapes, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo & Pecorino, as well as Merlot grapes currently used in a blend for their Kudos wine with the Montepulciano. Their Tre Saggi (“three wise men”) is a plush and rich, oak-driven Montepulciano. Dark chocolate, spice, clove and blackberry are presented in an incredibly soft and integrated fashion.

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 busy summer weekend here in Madrona.  The schedule quickly fills up with BBQ s, picnics, parades amid the usual house chores and yard work and then the 4th of July is the corner.  One thing all these things have in common is that they go better with a good glass of wine.  Take a break this weekend and stop by the shop where we’ll be pouring a great line up of wines to smooth out your weekend and the week ahead.

And we are OPEN July 4th from Noon to 3:30 in case you are running behind getting ready for the holiday.  But First:

Saturday come feel the breeze from the Atlantic as we taste through wines from the Loire Valley.
2016 Pierre Henri, Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie, St. Fiarce   $12
Melon de Bourgone
2018 J. Mourat IGP Val de Loire Blanc “Collection”  $13
Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
2018  Domaine du Salvard, Cheverny Rosé $17
65% Pinot Noir, 35% Gamay Noir
2018 J. Mourat IGP Val de Loire Rouge”Collection”   $13
40% Pinot Noir, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Negrette
2016 Domaine Nerleux, Samur Champigny Clos des Chatains  $18
Cabernet Franc

Sunday we are off to Veneto with three wines from Monte Tondo starting with a little frizzante and finishing with a red.
2016 Monte Tondo Frizzante  $10
Garganega
This Frizzante is 100% Garganega from certified organic vineyards, this one is zesty, spritzy, light, and airy. It offers up aromas and flavors of ripe apple, pear, lemon, white flowers, and just a touch of mineral. And all of those delicious aromas and flavors are delivered along a rush of tiny, gentle bubbles. Organic.
2016 Monte Tondo, Marta Soave  $13
Garganega
Monte Tondo’s second label of Soave but it’s still first rank. This Soave is bristling and clean, flinty and fragrant, with terrific notes of granite, citrus, green apple.
2016 Monte tondo, Marta Corvina  $13
Monte Tondo’s entry red is 100% Corvina. A transparent pomegranate hue in the glass, is redolent of pie cherries, rhubarb, orange peel, and dried rose petals. Bitter herbs and fine tannins join the wine’s chewy fruit to make this a most versatile and table-ready red wine.

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 tasting our way through the Loire Valley. The vineyards of the Lore benefit from cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.   These wines are crisp, fresh and a perfect match for summer.   As you know summer starts July 5th in Seattle.  Get ready.
 
2016 Pierre Henri, Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie, St Fiarce   $12
Melon de Bourgone
Named after Pierre-Henri Gadais whose family also owns Domaine Gadais, this is a bright, lively wine, rich with layers of ripe fruit, minerality and tight acidity. It is intense, with great fruitiness and a cool edge of final acidity.
 
2018 J. Mourat IGP Val de Loire Blanc “Collection”  $13
Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
J. Mourat is located on the far south-west of the Loire Valley in the appellation Fiefs Vendéens. Their hillside vineyards see a combination of southern exposure and a sea breeze, with schist and volcanic soils rich in quartz, are farmed organically.  This is a fresh and satisfying white blend with flavors of green and red apple, white peach and preserved citrus–tasty, dry and distinctive.
 
2018  Domaine du Salvard, Cheverny Rosé $17
65% Pinot Noir, 35% Gamay Noir
Domaine du Salvard has been a working Domaine since 1898, through five hardworking generations of the Delaille family. Their forty-two hectares of vineyards are sustainably farmed in the sand, clay, and limestone plains of northeastern Touraine. Their Rosé is very pleasant and surprisingly complex with aromas of red berries and a distinct hint of lime.  On the palate it’s bright and tart, bone-dry with fresh acidity, red-berry flavors shifting subtly into an intriguing stony minerality that lasts into a very long, finish.
 
2018 J. Mourat IGP Val de Loire Rouge”Collection”   $13
40% Pinot Noir, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Negrette
This surprising red-blend packs a juicy cherry and sweet orange aroma. The fruit is ripe, sappy and jewel-bright: redcurrant and cranberry, with a pencil-graphite slender minerality that betrays the presence of Cabernet Franc –the brisk tannins jiving with energetic fruit.  The finish is neat, dry, snappy, like a gymnast finishing a perfect somersault in your mouth, and then a little line of herbs lingering on the tongue.
 
2016 Domaine Nerleux, Samur Champigny Clos des Chatains  $18
Cabernet Franc
Amélie Neau is the 9th generation of Domaine de Nerleux (Black Wolves in Old French) and she sublimates this superb heritage. Her Clos des Chatains shows a beautiful nose of black fruits, blueberry, elderberry, cherry with brandy. In the mouth there is lots of flavors of kirsch, elderberry and a slight bitterness.  A traditional style in a generous vintage, it is ready to drink now, but can evolve 5 to 7 years without worries.

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 officially summer in Seattle.  While some folks flee for vacation, we at Madrona Wine like to stick around, hang out and enjoy the long evenings and good weather. This weekend we are tasting a lineup of wines to help the hang.  Come see what’s open.

Saturday, we are sailing the Tyrrhenian Sea with wines from Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily.
2016 Sella & Mosca, La Cala Vermentino  $16
2018 Terra Nostra, Corsica Rose  $14
2017 Planeta Vittoria Frappato  $23
2016 Firriato, Trepani Chiaramonte Nero d’Avola $14
2015 Sella & Mosca, Canonnau di Sardnga Reserva $20 

Sunday we have a pair of wines from France, starting in the mid-lands of Touraine and ending up in Gaillac in the south. Perfect wines for the summer that is upon us.
2017 Paul Buisse Touraine   $10
100% Sauvigon Blanc
For a Touraine Sauvignon, this has rich and ripe tropical fruits as well as the necessary acidity. It is fruity, with a lightly zesty texture and a soft aftertaste.
2014 Domaine des Terrisses Gaillac Rouge   $14
50% Braucol, 30% Duras, 20% Syrah
A distinctive blend from the Southwest of France.  Expressive with aromas of dark berries, spice and peppers. On the palate the wine is rich and flavorful with a powerful acidity, firm tannins and a wonderful concentration of savory flavors balanced with bright fruit.

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.