This Saturday we are gearing up for the Fall weather with some big reds set to take the damp out of a dark evening.  Sunday is daylights savings.  Come get prepared.  We’ll start with a little effervescence to keep things light.
 
2013 Agusti Torello, Brut Reserva Cava  Penedes $20
Maccabeu, Xarello, Parellada
Agusti Torello Mata is one of the most respected cava producers in Spain, focusing solely on vintage dated Cavas and wines at the Reserva level and up.  The wine was traditionally vinified, with secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle. After that, it was aged for a minimum of 24 months.  The disgorging date is printed on the back label.  The wine shows a lovely bead with bright, clean citric fruit flavors are juicy and ripe, with perhaps a hint of tangerine.
 
2015 Borgo Scopeto, Chianti Classico  $12
Borgo Scopeto comes from Castelnuovo Berardenga, the southern-most commune within the Chianti Classico zone. All vineyards at Borgo Scopeto are dry farmed from the day the vines are first planted.  Elizabetta Gnudi owns Borgo Scopeto, and she and winemaker Simone Giunti are responsible for all aspects of the production of Borgo Scopeto wines.  The Chianti Classico has aromas of fragrant purple flowers, ripe woodland berries and a whiff of pressed powder waft out of the glass. Bright and juicy, the savory palate shows crushed raspberry, fleshy Morello cherry, ground clove and a hint of coffee alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.
 
2016 Croix Belle, Carignole Rouge Côtes de Thongue $10
65% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 15% Carignan
Just outside the city of Montpellier lie the vineyards of La Croix Belle, a family owned and operated Domaine that traces it roots back to the region more than two centuries. Francoise and Jacques Boyer assumed control of the property in the late 70s with an eye towards making clean expressive wines reflecting the region. A lot of replanting was done, yields were lowered and modern winemaking techniques and facilities were adopted. It is a vibrant red with fresh berry notes and a delicious lively palate.
 
2015 Château Haute-Serre, Cahors Malbec  $25
90% Malbec, 10% Merlot
From Cahors, Malbec’s home on France’s beautiful Lot River, 2014 Château Lafleur de Haute-Serre Selection des Sommeliers Malbec is a brilliant dark red in the glass with fine aromas, concentrated fruit, and soft tannins on the palate. The 63 hectares of vines grow on slopes with clay limestone soil at an altitude of 300 meters–one of the highest vineyards in the appellation.
Very fine nose. In mouth, it shows its soft tannins. The concentration of flavors reminds one of redcurrant jelly. Fine structure and elegance. A very feminine wine.
 
2011 Barao de Vilar, Statement Late bottled Vintage Port $14
This unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage is aged over 4 years in oak barrels before bottling. It has a great variety of flavors, a strong wine with an attractive bouquet.  Strawberry jam, medium-bodied and sweet with refreshing acidity and gentle tannins.

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 leaves are changing from green to red, orange and golden brown.  And here at Madrona Wine Merchants our tastes are changing from rosé to deep reds and golden whites and of course an occasional bubbles thrown in.  Take a break this weekend from raking the leaves and stop by and rake up some delicious seasonal wines. Here’s what’s going on:

Saturday we’ll be in the foothills of the Alps and tasting wines from  Alto Adige, Friuli and Veneto.
2016 Colterenzio, Colterenzio Sauvignon Blanc Prail $18
2016 Castel Sallegg Schiava  $17
2015 Castel Sallegg, Lagrein $18
2015 Roeno di Fugatti, Teroldigo $12
2014 Zeni,  Costalago Rosso Veronese $15

Sunday it’s Wednesday night.  This Sunday we are showcasing a couple of value wines that are tasting well above their prices. Come by a pick up a few “Wednesday Night” bottles.
Toschi Family Blend  $10
A juicy Zin-heavy blend from the San Joaquin Valley. No vintage and no pretentions. Just drinkable juice.
2016 Campos de Luz Old Vine Garnacha  $9
Scents of fresh blackberries and cherries, together with a hint of black pepper. Full and rich in the mouth, with the fruit immediately to the fore, a broad pallet and a long juicy finish which holds its presence without astringent tannins.

Wednesday the 31st is Halloween!  The merchants of Madrona will be handing out candy to the trick or treaters.  Swing by and say Boo!

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 focusing on the northeast of Italy where the higher altitude vineyards bring out uniquely interesting characteristics in the wines.  Come taste the wines and see for yourself.
 
2016 Colterenzio, Colterenzio Sauvignon Blanc Prail $18
From the Südtirol region of the Alto Adige, in the calcareous soils of the cool rolling hills, Sauvignon develops elegance and an abundance of captivating aromas reminiscent of elderflower, gooseberry and delicately scented herbs.  The grapefruit, lemon and fennel seed character is impressive on the nose and palate. The wine has a medium to full body and bright acidity with a lemon rind aftertaste.
 
2016 Castel Sallegg Schiava  $17
Castel Sallegg is located between the peaks of the Dolomite Alps in the area around Lake Caldaro. Their Schiava a local varietal has a charmingly uncomplicated scent with notes of cherry, violet, a hint of bitter almonds and fine herbs and spices. It is pleasant and fine on the palate with a subtle acidity and mild tannins, with notes of raspberry in the finish.
 
2015 Castel Sallegg, Lagrein $18
From sand and loam soils alongside the Lake Caldaro, Castel Sallegg’s Lagreinn is fragrant, full of dark-berried character alongside licorice and tannins. A wine full of character, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, elder and liquorice, it is powerful on the palate, with distinct tannins and a certain fruitiness in the long finish.  It marries well with braised or grilled meats.
 
2015 Roeno di Fugatti, Teroldigo $12
Cantina Roeno is located in the heart of the Valdadige, on the border between Veneto and Trentino.  They specialze in local varitals like Marzmino, Enatio and in this case Teroldigo.  The wine has aromas of African violets, roses, and plums.  Black cherry and raspberry fruit, plums, and even notes of pomegranate, make Teroldego a unique experience. A touch of bitter black fruit on the finish cleanses the palate and makes you ready for the next sip.
 
2014 Zeni,  Costalago Rosso Veronese $15
Lake Garda and the surrounding hills were formed during the Wurmian ice age, the last of the four ice ages of the quaternary era. Corvina and Corvinone grapes have been cultivated for centuries in these hills on the eastern or Veronese shore of the lake. They are joined in Costalago (meaning “lake shore”) by a small percentage of Cabernet and Merlot, adding strength to the elegance of the native varieties. This wine derives its particular character from the use of the “double fermentation technique” that enriches it with greater body and intensity.

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.

France is on our minds (and our tongues) this weekend in Madrona.  We’ll be pouring sept (seven) wines over deux (two) days.  We are also planning next weekend’s special Champagne tasting.  Scroll down for more details or come by the shop and have a taste and we’ll tell you more.
 
Saturday, À la Française Cinq!
2017 Kuentz Bas ,Alsace Blanc $12
60% Sylvaner, 15% Muscat, 15% Auxerrois, 10% Gewürztraminer
2017 Roger Nevue, Sancerre, Cote des Embouffants  $22
Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Regis Bouvier, Bourgogne Rouge $20
Pinot Noir
2016 Ensedune, Couteaux de Enserune $10
Marselan
2014 Michel Gassier, Nostre Pais Rouge, Costières de Nîmes $19
35% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault

Sunday, À la Française Deux!
2014 Les Dauphines Puyméras Côtes du Rhone Villages  $15
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Carignan
A lesser known village wine with complex aromas of raspberry, black currant, black cherry and spice. The wine is full-bodied with silky tannins. A perfect balance between fruit and richness on the palate. 13.5% alcohol by volume
2014 Château Massiac Minervios  $13
75% Syrah, 25% Carignan
The flagship wine from the Château. “Enticing notes of juniper, rosemary and thyme as well as the savory flavors of wild berries and a hint of the ‘animal'”. Was $18 now $13

Upcoming!
New Bubbles in Town!
Sunday, October 28th — 5:30pm — $25plus tax
Sustenance Distributing opened its doors, bringing with it some very interesting Grower Champagnes formerly not seen in Seattle.  Sunday the 28th we are offering the chance to taste five of their selections.  Bubble enthusiast Bill Meyer will be here to share his love for these fine wines.
 
This special tasting is s BY RESERVATION ONLY.
Space is limited to twelve people.  Call or email us to save a spot.
Champagne Pascal Ponson, 1er Cru Brut Prestige, $39
80% Pinot Meunier, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
Champagne Paul Dethune, Grand Cru Brut Reserve, $47
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Champagne Dumenil, 1er cru Amour de Cuvee, $71.50
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Pinot Meunier
Champagne Wafflart-Anoniolli, 1er Cru Blanc de Blanc, $55
100% Chardonnay
Champagne Wafflart-Antoniolli, 1er Cru Brut Rosé, $50
60% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir

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 frolic around France, tasting here and there with wild abandon.  Join us as we hop and jump from north to south, from the cool climate of Alsace to the warm hills of the Mediterranean.  It is a tasty adventure.
 
2017 Kuentz Bas , Alsace Blanc $12
60% Sylvaner, 15% Muscat, 15% Auxerrois, 10% Gewürztraminer
Kuentz-Bas was established by the Kuentz family in 1795.   It sits at one of the highest points in Alsace, and the vineyards stretch out from the village over an area of ten hectares. Their traditional blend shows notes of very ripe pear dominate the nose. The palate shows crisp acidity to aid the spicy pear fruit.  It is bone dry with smoky yet bright flavors.
 
2017 Roger Nevue, Sancerre, Cote des Embouffants  $22
Sauvignon Blanc
“The Clos des Bouffants, the primary Neveu family Sancerre holding, is a steep, due-south exposed, limestone vineyard located less than a half mile from the Neveu cellar. The wine shows aromas of ripe rhubarb and gooseberry leap from the pale lemon juice, along with hints of lime, chalk, and flint. It has a mineral texture with high acidity, and vibrant green fruits follow through to a long, lingering finish.
 
2015 Regis Bouvier, Bourgogne Rouge $20
Pinot Noir
From a 1.5-hectare vineyard of 35-year-old vines situated in clay and limestone soils, this is a bright red cherry-leaning-towards-plum fruit, super juicy Pinot. There are lots of ways to spin this, as a hedonistic red Burgundy, as a delicious Pinot Noir. Experience the touch and finesse, the Burgundian soul, the pure deliciousness of a true Pinot bargain.
 
2016 Ensedune, Couteaux de Enserune $10
Marselan
At the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, the Oppidum Romain d’Ensérune dominates the terroir of the Ensédune wines. It is characterized by one of the warmest and driest climates of France located at the west of Béziers. Proud of a thousand-year-old tradition, the Ensérune winegrowers were keen to develop their vineyards by acclimatizing grape varieties from various horizons. This Marselan has lively, balsamic, small berry fruit (blackcurrant, blueberry, wild strawberry) aromas, with a lovely, mellow concentration. It’s a perfect easy-drinking wine.
 
2014 Michel Gassier, Nostre Pais Rouge, Costières de Nîmes $19
35% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
One of the bigger, richer versions of this cuvee, the 2014 Nostre Païs was fermented with one-third whole clusters and aged in equal parts 500-liter barrels and concrete tanks. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by terrific notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, roasted herbs and licorice. It has serious mid-palate depth, integrated acidity and present, yet ripe tannin, all suggesting it will evolve gracefully for at least 4-6 years.  Organic

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.

Looks like we are due for some beautiful Fall weather this next week in Madrona.  This weekend at the wine shop we are due to taste some beautiful  wines from Spain and France to match the weather.

Saturday we have a lineup of Spanish Wines (all under $20) that could take up regular residence at your Autumn tables.
2012 Marques de la Concordia Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature  $14
30% Chardonnay, 25% Macabeo, 20% Xerello, 25% Parellada
2016 Bodegas Naia ‘Naia’  $14
100%Verdejo
2010 Bodegas Zugober Belezos Rioja Reserva  $19
95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo & Graciano
2012 Altos de Tamaron Reserva Ribera del Duero  $18
Tempranillo
2012 Mas Igneus Barranc dels Closos Negre  Priorat  $18
60% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache) and 40% Carinyena (Carignan)

Sunday we focus on a pair of French standbys.
2015 Guindon Muscadet  $11
This is a lightly perfumed wine with crisp acidity and bright lemon flavors. There is a fine zesty tang to this attractive ready-to-drink wine. 12% alcohol by volume
2015 L’Ermitage Nimes Rouge  $10
40% Mourvèdre, 40% Syrah,  20% Grenache
A sturdy little southern French red with lots of Mourvèdre, red fruit spices and licorice flavors.

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 Spanish wines that don’t break the bank.  All these wines out perform their price point.  Come and taste them for yourself.
 
2012 Marques de la Concordia Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature  $14
30% Chardonnay, 25% Macabeo, 20% Xerello, 25% Parellada
This unique Cava is aged 4 years in bottle before release.  The reserve has apple and brioche aromas are composed on the nose. A plump, slightly oxidized palate offers mild fruit tones, but shows a welcome shot of citrus on the finish.
 
2016 Bodegas Naia ‘Naia’  $14
1005Verdejo
Bodegas Naia is located in the village La Seca, which is considered the Grand Cru of the D. O. Rueda and where some of the oldest vineyards of this Denomination of Origin can be found.   The Naia aged for 4 months on it lees.  It has a lively, highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchid fruits, jasmine and dusty minerals, and a hint of anise builds in the glass. Incisive, mineral-driven Meyer lemon and a green apple flavors stretch out and deepen while maintaining vivacity.
 
2010 Bodegas Zugober Belezos Rioja Reserva  $19
95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo & Graciano
Bodegas Zugober in La Rioja Alavesa was founded in 1987 by the young enologists, Eduardo Gomez and Isabel Bernardo, who were determined to set up a modern winery based on old wine-making traditions. Their Resserva is elegant and aromatic.  The wine boasts great fruit, spice as well as earthy nuances.
 
2012 Altos de Tamaron Reserva Ribera del Duero  $18
Only the very best Tempranillo grapes are selected to create this wine. Its grapes are selected from 40-year-old vines that produce no more that 4 to 5 small scattered clusters.  Smokey rosemary, fresh meat and baked soil are decidedly earth aromas. On the tongue it is plush, laden with sweet baking spices and supple vanilla and coconut cream. Strong cinnamon and ripe blackberries are long lasting in the mouth.
 
2012 Mas Igneus Barranc dels Closos Negre  Priorat  $18
60% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache) and 40% Carinyena (Carignan)
These vineyards are located near a gorge, or barranc in the Catalan language, in the Priorat DO of northeastern Spain. They are certified organic. The wine ages in previously-used French Allier barrels for 3 months.  It has enticing bouquet of toast, wood, milky cherry and milky raspberry on the nose and sour cherry, red currant, with refreshing acidity and dusty tannins (decant for 60+ min) and a medium to long, silky, 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.

It was a soggy 1st Friday here in Madrona, but the sun is supposed to poke its head back out this weekend.  Here at Madrona Wine we are drying out by wetting our whistles with wines from central Italy.  Stop by and join us.

Saturday we are tasting Tuscany. Come see the different faces of Sangiovese.
2017 Villa Travignoli  Busi Gavignano Bianco $11
90% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Erik Banti, Carato $12
40% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and only 20% Sangiovese
2012 Villa Travignoli, Tegolaia Rufina Reserva  $16
2015 Erik Banti  Ciabatta $25
85% Sangiovese, 10% Alicante, 5% Ciliegiolo
2011 La Fiorita, Brunello di Montalcino $36

Sunday we are tasting a couple of wines from Abruzzo & Umbria. 
2015 Masciarelli Villa Gemma Bianco $13
80% Bombino Bianco, 15% Cococciola, 5% Chardonnay
From Abruzzo — Straw yellow color. Fairly intense bouquet, fine aroma. Hints of yellow fruit, apple, banana, white flowers like jasmine.  Pair with raw fish, medium-fat fish, fish-based first courses.
 Was $25, Now $13
2012 Roccafiore Montefalco Sagrantino  $20
100% Sagrantino
From Umbria — Aged 18 months in French oak barriques and Slavonian barrels. The olfactory impact is intense and elegant, and built on large fruity, ethereal, spicy. On the palate it achieves a remarkable structure, offering fair tannins, this wine is full-bodied, dense, chewy and unique.

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.