Last week’s grey blanket of dampness has been pulled back leaving us a weekend of end of Summer Sunshine.  At Madrona Wine we have the door back open and we are soaking up the fresh air as we sip our way through a refreshing weekend line up of wine tasting.

Saturday, we’re tasting some great wines form some small producers in France including such unusual varietals as Duras & Mondeuse.
2014 Guillaume, Chardonnay
2015 Montrose, Côtes de Thongue Rosé   
2014 Domaine Graveirette, Cotes du Rhone
2014 Domaine de Brin, Vendemia Rouge, Gaillac
2013 Domaine De Idylle, Mondeuse 

Sunday, we are featuring two wines from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

2012 Kosovec Škrlet  $14
From the small, organically farmed estate in Croatia, this little-known grape varietal makes a refreshing wine. Škrlet has good natural acidity, great balance and high minerality in combination with nutty aromas and notes of meadow flowers, honey, lime-tree, a hint of light spices.

2011 Glatzer Sauvignon Blanc $11
A crisp Austrian Sauvignon Blanc with green and citrus fruit flavors. It has a fine, tight streak of acidity that also hints of more tropical flavors. 12.5% alcohol by volume. Was $16 now $11

We also have new art on the walls.  The Eye of the Beholder.  Selections from the Proprietors’ Collections
Taste in art is like taste in wine: personal and often eclectic.  Our current exhibition showcases some prime pieces from the purveyors at Madrona Wine Merchants private art collections.  Does their taste in art stack up against their taste in wine?  Stop by for a peek.

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.

Small wineries, small importers, the world seen through a grape — just a few of the things we love at Madrona Wine Merchants.  Saturday we have a lineup of just that brought to us by small Portland importer Petit Monde.  We’ll be tasting distinctly French wines from some singular growing regions like Jura, Gaillac, and Savoie, as well as uncommon grapes Duras and Mondeuse.  Come tour the world with us.
 
2014 Guillaume, Chardonnay $16
Guillaume supplies vines to most of Burgundy, but their vineyards are in Jura.  Their 2014 Chardonnay seemingly fuses the soil-inflected nuttiness of a fine Jura with the detail of a white Burgundy from the Cote Chalonnaise.  This unoaked Chard is very clean and pretty with lots of creamy fruit.  Brisk acidity and smoky, chalky mineral undercurrents join with the wine’s brisk green apple fruit and sappy hazelnut expressions.
 
2015 Montrose, Côtes de Thongue Rosé   $12
65% Grenache, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
Montrose is located in the Languedoc region of Southern France, 15 km away from the Mediterranean coast.  The name refers to its geographic location on a volcano (Mont) and to the pink (Rose) flowers and almond trees surrounding the vineyard.  The domaine was founded in 1701 and is still in the family.  This Rosé has notes of red berries and peach flavors with spicy overtones making an elegant wine combining roundness and freshness. And it comes in many sizes: 1.5 ltr — $25 & 3 ltr — $58
 
2014 Domaine Graveirette, Cotes du Rhone $16
100% Grenache
A family estate on the outskirts of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape that started making their own wine in 2005 Their Cotes du Rhone is full and chewy, with firm tannins. It has lots of earth, meat, garrigue, pepper, and spice but also clean and pure with bright raspberry and black cherry fruit.
 
2014 Domaine de Brin, Vendemia Rouge, Gaillac $15
80% Duras, 20% Merlot
The family owned Domaine de Brin estate is situated on a calcareous-clay plateau surrounded by an oak wood and uses organic growing and natural vinification methods.  Their Rouge ages for 18 months in large vats without sulfur and only get a very low level sulfiting before it is bottled unfiltered.  The wine has aromas of black fruits, and mild spices.  The flavors are fruity and generous with silky tannins. 
 
2013 Domaine De Idylle, Mondeuse  $18
Le Domaine de l’Idylle nestles in the age of the valley of the Combe de Savoie, deep in Rrench Alps. The Tiollier family has been working this terroir to produce subtle fine Savoy wines since 1840.  Mondeuse is the cool, elusive, peppery red of the Savoie that is a relative of Syrah.  The wine has aromas of  black pepper, violets, black cherries and tobacco. On the palate the wine alternates waves of fig, cherry and black plum fruit with complex undertones of cinnamon, hoisin sauce and sweet pipe tobacco. Long and lingering on the back-palate, reprises of black peppercorns and crunchy pie cherries mingle with finishing notes of bright acidity, medicinal herbs and fine, supple 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 rain has washed the dust off of everything this week in Madrona.  And while the skies are a little grey for Labor Day weekend, the air feels nice and clean.  At Madrona Wine we’ve recently cleaned up on some deals and we’ll be pouring them over the weekend so you can clean up too.

Saturday we are pouring five hard working wines to reward the fruits of labor.
2013 Prechtl, Langen Was $17 now $13
2012 Cal Pla, Mas D’en Compte Priorat Blanc  Was $35 now $20
2013 Montanet Thoden,  Bourgogne Garance  Was $32 now $20
2012 Cal Pla, Mas D’en Compte Priorat  Was $35 now $20
2006 Rubinelli Vajol, Amarone  Was $65 now $30

Sunday we’ll be tasting two wines from neighboring regions of Italy. 

Giacomelli, I Campi vino Bianco  $10
50% Albarola, 50% Vermentino
From Liguria and vineyards around Cinque Terra, this coastal Italian white has aromatic complexity with hints of golden apple and hawthorn flowers, fresh-savory notes, and crisp creamy richness.

2012 Sasa Sant Antimo Rosso $12
50% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
A little Super Tuscan blend with a lot of dark juicy fruit. Very hard not to like. Was $20 now $12
 
We will be Closed Monday (as usual) and celebrating Labor Day.

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.

Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country.  Hard work deserves its reward.  This Saturday we’ll be pouring five rewarding wines with some special pricing to help you celebrate.  Put down the tools and raise a glass.
 
2013 Prechtl, Langen  $13
Grunier Veltliner
The family run estate in Austria has been making wine for five generations.  The vines for this organic single vineyard Grunier are at least 25-years-old.  As a result the wine has a lot more going on than the easygoing liter bottles.  It is packed with a crisp minerality and a good full palate. 12.5% abv
Was $17 now $13

2012 Cal Pla, Mas D’en Compte Priorat Blanc  $20
Garnatxa Blanca, Picapoll Blanca, Xarel.lo
The Sangenís family farms 20 hectares of vines located around Porrera with vines from 15 to 80 years old.  Farming is done organically, which may sound easy in such a warm and dry climate until you see the incline of some of their sites – here any kind of farming is arduous.  The Mas D’en Blanc has subtle white fruit aromas with mineral notes, hints of honey, and sweet and smoky spices.  Its creamy texture is well-marked with a mineral character and smoky notes and an elegant and long finish. 
Was $35 now $20

2013 Montanet Thoden,  Bourgogne Garance  $20
Pinot Noir
An organic Burgundy from importer Kermit Lynch that is drinking great now.  The Garance is loaded with full supple fruit and smooth tannins.  12% abv
Was $32 now $20

2012 Cal Pla, Mas D’en Compte Priorat  $20
Garnatxa Negra, Carinyena, Cabernet Sauvignon
Cal Pla’s oldest vines of Garnatxa Negra and Carinyena are located in the famed Mas D’en Caçador vineyard – arguably the Grand Cru of the village. The Mas D’en has notes of red and black fruits at their optimum ripeness, juicy and expressive with toasted notes, spiced and balsamic aromas and mineral background.  The body is full and layered with long finish. 
Was $35 now $20

2006 Rubinelli Vajol, Amarone  $30
30% Corvina, 40% Carvinone, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oselata, 5% Molinara
A big Amarone from a small producer, that is hitting it’s prime.  The Valjol has intense notes of fully ripened grapes, lots of dried fruit aromas and pleasant hints of spice. In the mouth, the wine is smooth, rich and luscious.  Only 1000 six packs of the wine were ever made.  We have just a few bottles at this great price.  16% abv
Was $65 now $30

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 get a little break in the heat this weekend in Madrona with temperatures in the low 70’s.  You can also take a break and come join us for our weekend wine tastings.  We’ve got a few things lined up to please the palate.

Saturday we are pouring FIVE crisp sparklers.  We have bubbles from Australia, Spain, the Loire, and Limoux, and they are all everyday affordable.  The corks fly at 2pm and we’ll pour them as long as the bottles and bubbles hold out.
De Bortoli, Sparkling Brut 
2012 Jané Ventura, Brut Nature
Moncontour, Cremant de Loire 
J. Laurens, Cremant de Limoux Brut
J. Laurens, Cremant de Limoux Brut Rosé

Sunday we’ll be tasting a pair of French wine that offer great value as well as great taste. 

2014 La Haudinière, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine $10
100% Melon de Bourgogne
A crisp, flavorful, truly dry Muscadet for a great price. The perfect wine for a deconstructed clambake served over a week of vacation.

2013 Domaine Girard,  Malepère $11
60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc
An unoaked blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from a rarely seen Languedoc AOC. It is supple, with fine tannins and a smooth mouthfeel, and ripe blue and red fruit flavors that are accented by spicy notes on palate and the finish. Sustainable. Was $15 now $11

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 need to wait ’til New Years, sparkling wines are good year round and especially on a hot afternoon.  This Saturday we’re pouring all bubbles.  They are crisp, refreshing and taste great by themselves or matched up with all kinds of foods.  We’ve been collecting these wines over the summer and want to show them off.  We have bubbles from Australia, Spain, the Loire, and Limoux, and they are all everyday affordable.  The corks fly at 2pm and we’ll pour them as long as the bottles and bubbles hold out.  Come effervesce with us.
 
De Bortoli, Sparkling Brut  $11
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
This Australian sparkler has fresh fruit and citrus notes, creamy bubbles and a clean, crisp finish.  The De Bortoli is a well-made and good value bubbly.
 
2012 Jané Ventura, Brut Nature  $16
Xarel-lo, Maabeu, Parellada
A quality zero dosage Cava with an aromatic herb and floral bouquet and a crisp flinty  palate reminiscent of aromatic herbs like “fennel” and citrus and white flower notes. The wine is very fresh with a toasty end, enhancing the fresh sensation in the mouth.
 
Moncontour, Cremant de Loire  $18
40% Chenin, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Cabernet Franc
This crisp bubbler has complex aromas with accents of brioche and roasted notes and has beautiful subtlety on the palate.
 
J. Laurens, Cremant de Limoux Brut – Special Tasting Price $15
60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 5% Mauzac, 5% Pinot Noir
The Laurens has zingy lemon-lime flavors which evolve into fuller pineapple and citrus, and light, cardamom-like spice.  Its rich yeasty character adds breadth and weight.
 
J. Laurens, Cremant de Limoux Brut Rosé – Special Tasting Price $15
60% Chardonnay, 25 % Chenin, 15 % Pinot Noir
The Brut rosé has a gentle yeastiness accompanying its effusive effervescence, but the real story is its rich, tangy, full-in-the-mouth, appealing 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.

It’s supposed to be 91 degrees today in Madrona.  That’s kind of toasty for our Northwest sensibilities.  We’ll have the air conditioner running at Madrona Wines and be chillin’ out with some of our favorite wines all weekend.  Come by and keep cool.

Saturday, we’re mixing two wines from Maison Bleue in Walla Walla and three wines collected from across Europe.  It’s an odd blend but it tastes great.
2015 Slavcek, Sivi Pinot Grigio
2012 Maison Bleue – Metis Blanc
2015 Gran Corbiére, Vin Gris Rosé
2013 Azienda Agricola Martilde, Oltrepò Pavese DOC Bonarda
2012 Maison Bleue, Bourgeois Grenache

Sunday the temperature drops a bit and we’re pouring two wines from the Mache region of Italy located on the Adriatic Sea.  Stop to see what makes the region so special.

2014 Fattoria Laila, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi  $12
A dry Italian white from the Marche with delicate aromas of wild flowers a creamy citrus body and a slightly bitter aftertaste.

2012 Sasa, Lacrima di Moro   $12
From the Marche, intense flowery aromas and bright cherry fruit with spice notes and light tannins.  Was $16 now $12

Sunday Art Review  3 to 5 pm
Also on Sunday we’re having a closing review for our current show of painting by D.Lisa West.  Come meet the artist and take a look at the work.  The show comes down at the end of the month.

Keep cool.

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.

Sometimes we have concise themes for our Saturday tastings, and sometimes they are a bit looser.  Every so often we throw away the theme altogether and just pour wines we want to show off.  This Saturday we have a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  We think you’ll find they’re all delicious. 
 
2015 Slavcek, Sivi Pinot Grigio $17
Slavcek farms 10 hectares on the outskirts of the Vipava Valley of Slovenia.  The family winery has existed for over two centuries. A brief duration of skin-contact gives this wine a faint and delicate pink hue and also instills the wine with a gorgeous, silky texture. The wine is then aged in neutral acacia and Slovenian oak barrels made from trees just beyond the vineyards. Organic with minimal sulfur added.
 
2012 Maison Bleue – Metis Blanc $20
60% Marsanne, 35% Grenache, 5% Roussanne
Walla Walla winemaker Jon Meure has a touch for Rhône varietals. From Boushey Vineyard, the Metis has potent aromas of grapefruit and flavors of rind and pith. It’s crisply defined, with excellent density and natural acidity.
 
2015 Gran Corbiére, Vin Gris Rose $15
Grenache Gris and Blanc, Syrah
A family-run estate in Corbiére with 28 hectares of organically-farmed vines.  You can taste the sea and sand in this wine, which is exactly the region where it was grown. This lovely, fresh rosé that has a nose of fresh-picked strawberries and cherries with hints of maritime air.
 
2013 Azienda Agricola Martilde, Oltrepò Pavese DOC Bonarda $13
100% Croatina
Croatina is a fruity and mildly tannic grape that is sometimes compared with Dolcetto.  Oddly enough, in Lombardy they call it Bonarda (no relation to its Argentinian counterpart).  The Martilde is a rustic wine with a great body, color and tannins.  Organic.
 
2012 Maison Bleue, Bourgeois Grenache $25
90% Grenache, 10% Syrah
Another delicious wine from one of Washington’s Rhone Rangers, the Bourgeois is a small production wine that hits it on the head. Provençale herbs, smoked meats, red cherry anise and oak on the nose. The palate has black cherry, anise, cassis and nice acid structure.  Now on deal.  Was $40 now $25

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 tomatoes are loving the weather this weekend here in Madrona.  But here at the wine shop we are staying cool as a cucumber because we have some perfect wines to beat the heat.  Swing by and chill out with us.

Saturday, we are pouring some fresh and refreshing French wine to complement the weather.  We’ve got dry bubbles from Alsace, a crisp Picpoul from the Languedoc, an organic Rosé from Gassac, as well as two bold reds to match up with the barbecue.
2013 Domaine Bechtold, Crémant d’Alsace
2015 La Chapelle du Bastion, Picpoul de Pinet
2015 Mas de Daumas Gassac, Guilhem Rosé
2013 Chateau Massiac, Minervois  
2012 Domaine Boisson, Cros de Romet Cairanne

Sunday we’ll have a couple of more excellent BBQ wines that are new to the neighborhood.

2015 Marestangno Ile de Beauté $9
Sciaccarellu
There is a lot going on in this inexpensive Corsican rosé.  The wine is fresh and direct with light orange zest, peach, and white cherry notes framed by a hint of savory. It is well-balanced with good length and a rich finish.

2014 Cesani Chianti Coli Senesi        $14
80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo, Cilegiolo & Malvesia Nera
Aged for 6 months in 2nd-use barrels, the Cesani Coli is an open, red fruit, potpourri, with a juicy, lingering, pleasant finish. 13% alcohol by volume.

Stop on in for a sip — then get those coals glowing!

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.