It is a nice long weekend here at Madrona Wine as we digest our turkey.

Today we are having our Red Friday Sale.
Skip the Malls and shopping frenzy at the big box stores.  Relax.  We’ll have a couple of red wine specials open to help digest that turkey.   Enjoy the afternoon off and swing by the shop for a taste.

2013 Les Terrasses d’Eole Ventoux  $10
Grenache, Syrah
From a small gravity powered winery in Provence,  this Ventoux is full dark fruit, violets, and minerals with indulgent flavors of blackberries, violets, and anise and earthy undertones.  Was $12 now $10

2012 Albino Rocca Rosso di Rocca  $13
80% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera and 10% Cab Franc
Aromas of black cherry, licorice, menthol, graphite and black pepper. The rosso is at once sweet and energetic, with black cherry and licorice flavors accented by violet and pepper.  Was $18 now $13

Saturday we are getting all Bubbly.
The forecast for the weekend is all sparkling — at least for our wine tastings.  Saturday we are pouring all bubbles to get in the mood for the holidays.  The corks start popping at 2pm and we’ll pour as long as the bubbles last so don’t be late.

Bodegas Cruzat, Reserve Valle de Uco, Mendoz, Argentina $18
60% Pinot Noir 40% Chardonnay
Sourced from their estate grown vines at 4,600 feet elevation, the Cruzant is aged 18 months on lees and 24 in bottle in bottle before release.  The Brut Natural has no sugar added.  It is redolent of citrus, tropical fruits, jasmine, elder and linden flowers, fully blended with the aromas of fermentation and yeast lysis and a crisp freshness.

Gruet, Blanc de Noirs $16
Pinot noir
This New Mexico Méthode Champenoise is aged for a minimum of two-years, it is full of berry aroma with toasty notes and a creamy texture. Half bottles 375ml — $12

Antica Franca Brut Franciacorta DOCG  $25
90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero
Franciacorta is to Italy what Champagne is to France.  Its calcareous soils produce complex mineraled wines.  The Antica Fratta is blended out of a library of base wines and then aged 2 years in bottle. It is an elegantly fresh, vivacious and full wine characterized by pleasing aromas of fresh fruit, wild blossoms and subtle bread crust.  Big Bottles, 1.5 liter — $55

Alain Bailly Grande Reserve Brut Champagne $28
60% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Sixth generation growers, Bailly’s estate consists of 12 hectares composed of eighty vineyard plots. The Grande Reserve has a golden tint, fine mousse, very full bouquet mingles toast, figs, fresh bread, and structured vinous aromas full of richness.

2014 Borgo Maragliano, Moscato di’Asti La Caliera  $15
A full-bodied, robust and velvety Moscato d’Asti. The intense aroma carries a fragrance of candied fruit, acacia flowers and a typical musky but delicate bouquet. Its scent of “violet” is quite unique and it is only 5% alcohol by volume so you can drink it for breakfast.

Sunday Is Cider Sunday.  And we’ll be pouring two dry ciders. Perfect for starting (or ending) all those holiday dinners and buffets.

Loisel Gosne Breton Cider $10
A bone-dry cider made with a blend of cider apples selected for their drying skin tannins.

Crossfire Crisp Harvest Cider $5
Out of California comes this dry apple cider with an artisan style.

And More Bubbles!!

Sunday, December 4th we’re having our annual Champagne Tasting where we’ll be pouring the most interesting Champagnes that we’ve tasted this season.  It starts at 5:30pm and costs $25 (plus tax).  Space is limited so contact us if you want to attend.  More info coming soon.

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.

Thanksgiving is coming. (It’s on Thursday this year.) And this weekend at Madrona Wine we are gearing up for the Big Feast with a full line up of wines to match a groaning table.

Saturday, we’re opening some wines that can handle all the diversity and cornucopia of flavors that is Thanksgiving.  They even make the relatives more agreeable. 
2014 Haden Fig Pinot Gris
2014 Claude Lafond La Grande Piece
Jaillance, Cremant de Bordeaux, Cuvée de l’Abbaye Brut Rose 
2015 Evesham Wood, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
2013 Domaine Des Ronze,  Beaujolais-Villages
2015 Dominio Basconcillos,  Vigna Magna,  Ribera del Duero 6 Meses

Sunday, we’re tasting the Loire wines of Saget la Pierrèier, These wines are all good candidates for the big meal. A representative from the winery will be here from 1-4 (but the wines will be open all day).

2014 Domaine de la Perriere Sancere  $25
Sauvignon Blanc
Racy notes of lemon zest, straw and chamomile lead to an echo of lightly muddled peach of the finish. It is a mouthful of fruitiness and minerality neatly combined with acidity.

2015 Saget la Perriere Rosé  $14
Pinot Noir
A Languedoc all Pinot Rosé. Aromas of rose petal, grenadine and berry fruits.  Supple, light, fresh attack on the palate. Lovely sweetness on the finish gently lifted by fresh aromas of raspberry.

2015 Saget la Petit Perriere  $14
Pinot Noir
A delightful and refreshing pinot, with red berry fruit and a hint of tannins and oak.

2014 Saget Marie de Beauregard Chinon  $17
Cabernet Franc
Marie de Beauregard Chinon is garnet red with ruby highlights and a lovely intensity of color. On the nose, the wine has aromas of coffee and sweet pepper with a hint of camphor mixed with vanilla. On the palate, aromas of undergrowth mixed with musk and blueberry. Solid structure with silky smooth tannins.

For those of you who like to put things off until the last minute, we’ll be open Tuesday and Wednesday, Noon to 7pm; Thanksgiving Day, 11am to 3 pm (don’t feel sorry for him, this is Mark’s way of getting out of cooking; and open again on Friday, Noon to 7 (Red Friday for those who prefer a glass of wine to going to the malls); plus our usual hours Saturday and Sunday.

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 prepping for a feast and opening some wines that can handle all the diversity and cornucopia of flavors that is Thanksgiving.  They even make the relatives more agreeable. 
 
2014 Haden Fig Pinot Gris $19
Haden Fig is owned and run by Erin Nuccio who also merged with Evesham Wood in in 2010.  Both wineries emphasize minimal intervention in the winemaking.  This Oregon Pinot Gris is rich and layered from dry farmed grapes. It is Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable and delicious.
 
2014 Claude Lafond La Grande Piece $13
Pinot Gris
From a single vineyard in the Loire, the Pinot Gris is left on its skins during its fermentation and the light pink of the grape transfers to the wine.  Light berry fruit and light apples notes with some herbal underpinnings. Was $20 now $13 
 
Jaillance, Cremant de Bordeaux, Cuvée de l’Abbaye Brut Rose  $14
100% Merlot
Jallance’s cellars at Pain de Sucre are built on a series of one-time quarries, hewn directly out of the rock, which ensures stability of temperature ideal for making sparkling wines.  Their Brut Rosé is vinified by the traditional method and sees 18 months of cellar ageing.  This wine has aromas of red fruit (raspberry and redcurrant) and a fresh hint of menthol. It has a creamy mousse. Flavors carry forward from the bouquet, with added persistent strawberry and a hint of vanilla on the finish.
 
2015 Evesham Wood, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $21
A blend of Illahe, Mahonia, Jubilee and Sojourner vineyards make up this dry farmed Pinot Noir.  This vintage of the WV blend shows a bright nose with cherry, earthy mushroom and a slight creamy/silkiness that’s balanced by juicy acid.   It is a great value in Oregon Pinot and always a shop favorite.

2013 Domaine Des Ronze,  Beaujolais-Villages $16
From a naturally farmed  vineyard of old vines on the edge of the Morgon appellation, Domaine Des Ronze has been run by the same family for 6 generations.  The Beaujolais is dominated by ripe red fruits is structured, layering tannins and intense fruitiness in harmony. The fruit has a pure, direct line of final acidity. 
 
2015 Dominio Basconcillos,  Vigna Magna,  Ribera del Duero 6 Meses  $19
Tempranillo
A new estate in the northern part of Ribera del Duero whose undulating and sloping terrain offers varied soil types (chalk, sand, clay, loam) and diversity of terroir within the contiguous property.  The farming is organic.  The state of the art bodega, is efficiently designed to obtain maximum quality.  Their 2015 is a powerful yet elegant wine with the ripeness of the fruit being tempered by grip by soft tannins layers of oak spice and 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.

Despite the warm weather it has been a harsh week in Madrona.  This weekend it looks like the rain is back..  Time to zip up that Gore-tex, and shake out the umbrella and come with us as we taste our way through some Côtes du Rhône.

Saturday we have a Full Rhône line up that shows the diversity of the region.
2015 Domaine Montmartel, Côtes du Rhône Blanc
2014 Marrenon, Doria Luberon Blanc
2013 Domaine Notre Dame de Pallières, Rasteau
2013 The Domaine de Fayolle, Crozes Hemitage
2012 Domaine Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape

Sunday we’ll be pouring a pair of Côtes du Rhnes from Famille Sadel as well as one of our favorite value Bordeaux.

2014 Famille Sadel, Cotes du Rhone Blanc  $15
60% Grenache Blanc, 25% Clairette, 15% Viognier
A nose of fresh and delicious scents of exotic fruits and white peaches. Well-balanced on the palate with nice acidity and delicate flavors of pineapple delivering a long and refreshing finish.

2014 Famille Sadel, Cotes du Rhone Rouge  $15
80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre
The vineyards are  not far from the Dentelles de Montmirail with vines are planted on stony hillsides and terraces with pebbly soil. This outstanding 2014 has a concentrated scent of old vines offering a combination of raspberry and blackberry aromas. The flavor is rich, round, and well balanced providing a long and smooth finish.

2012 Maison Givas, Montagne Saint Emilion  $18
60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot
This St. Emilion satellite drinks way above its price.  Blackcurrant, cherry, and raspberry notes combine with cedar and vanilla undertones, smooth tannins and good finish. Great by itself or with cheese, red/white meats, rich pasta and vegetable dishes.

Our Sunday evening Burgunday Tasting has been Canceled until some time when the Seahawks aren’t playing with the pigskin.

Starting this week we will be open on Tuesdays noon to 7pm until New 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.

Saturday we are roaming the Rhône whose villages offer up complex variations on a theme.  The wines range from excellent quaffers for everyday drinking to complexly layered wines for better occasions.  Come roam the Rhône with us.
 
2015 Domaine Montmartel, Côtes du Rhône Blanc $11
Viognier, Roussane, Clairette
Domaine Montmartel has vineyards located in the villages of Visan, Valréas, Tulette and Saint Maurice. The owner, Damien Marres, over the last few years has been converting his entire estate to organic farming. This fresh CDR Blanc has a deliciously aromatic nose with notes of apricot, white peach, violets and exotic fruits. It is generous on the palate, and ends on a delicious and fresh finish
 
2014 Marrenon, Doria Luberon Blanc $15
60% Vermentino, 30% Grenache Blanc, 10% Roussane
The Doria comes from Marrenon’s estate in Luberon at the far south of the Rhône.  Its nose is intense and complex with ripe orchard fruits and an understated but elegant and fresh floral bouquet.  It develops honey, lemon and roasted nuts flavors onto its good finish.
 
2013 Domaine Notre Dame de Pallières, Rasteau $15
75% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault
Notre Dame des Pallières is a very old family estate run by brothers Jean-Pierre and Claude Roux.  The old vines run deep in the chalky-clayey subsoil and are subject to the Trignon valley microclimate. The grapes are harvested by hand and crafted following traditional winemaking methods, including complete de-stemming. They plant grass between every second row to reduce yields, use organic fertilizer and avoid chemical treatments. They see organic farming as “inevitable” for themselves and their clients, although they still use systemic treatments in difficult years.  Their Rasteau has an intense and heady nose of blackberry, embellished with white pepper, cocoa and toast. Its palate offers ripe fruit and spicy, enduring tannins.
 
2013 The Domaine de Fayolle, Crozes Hemitage $20
Syrah
The Domaine de Fayolle is a 4^th generation family winery in the northern Rhône.  The vineyard is planted to old vines, with an average age of around forty years in the commune of Crozes-Hermitage mainly on the better hill slopes rather than the flatter land at the opposite side of the appellation. They are organically farmed.  The wine has nutty, black raisin, prune aromas. The fruit swells on the palate to a clear finish with chalky tannin.
 
2012 Domaine Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape $37
64% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 13% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault and 6% other varieties
Pignan is a 5^th generation family estate with vines that are 60-years-old on average with some as old as 100 years.  The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape has pretty strawberry, crushed flower, licorice and rose-petal aromas and flavors, medium-bodied with richness and depth, and a forward, delicious and silky character.

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.

There is a lot going on the next eight days at Madrona Wine as we fall back into the winter half of Daylight Saving.

First--Stock up on Bubbles this weekend so you can celebrate Tuesday night and Toast the First Woman President of the United States.

Second — SAVE THE DATE — Next Sunday (eight days from now on the 13th) we are having a Special Burgundy Tasting at 5:30.  The cost is $20 and space is limited and full details are coming soon.

Third — -This Saturday (today) We are tasting a range of Spanish Deliciousness!  Shrug off the weekend showers and come join us.
2015 Txomin Etxaniz, Getaria Txakoli
Llopant, Cava Brut Reserva 
2014 Triton, Tinta di Torro  
2014 Juan Gil, Monastrell
2005 Sierra Cantabria Gran Reserva

Fourth — This Sunday we are squandering our extra hour with an over the top Vermouth tasting with FIVE VERMOUTHS!!!  We tried this fantastic line of Vermouth from Alessio and jumped at the chance to pour them for you. Our distributor will be here to tell you all about them from 2 to 4, but they will be open for tasting all day from 11-5.  These are great in cocktails but complex enough to drink on their own.
Alessio Bianco  $27
Alessio Vermouth Bianco is an historic variation of Italian Sweet Vermouth, regarded as a “Vino di Moda” (fashion wine). Vermouth Blanc was made with a similar recipe as traditional sweet vermouth, but was filtered to be completely clear and was sometimes referred to as “Semi-sweet”. Warm spices and mild bitterness are tempered with a bright, crisp citrus finish. Enjoy chilled on its own or as an alternative to traditional Italian Sweet Vermouths in your favorite classic cocktails.
Alessio Rosso $27
A complex traditional Sweet Style Vermouth.
Alessio Chinato Vermouth  $30 Full bottle, $22 — 375ml
Alessio Vermouth Chinato is also based on a classic recipe from the late 19th century combined with the additional bittering of Cinchona bark and more than 25 other balancing herbs, including Grande and Petite Wormwood, and reflects an almost-lost style of bitter vermouth.
Alessio Vino Chinato  $40
Alessio Vino Chinato is highlighted by bold red and black fruit aromas and youthful tannins with added herbal notes from aromatic herbs and a balanced bitter finish of Cinchona bark. Alessio Vino Chinato is an elegant and robust aperitif for use in any cocktail requiring a classic Italian Sweet Vermouth and can also be enjoyed chilled on its own before a meal, or after and is exceptional when paired with chocolate or sharp and blue cheeses.
Tempis Fugit Kina L’Aero D’Or  $37
Kina L’Aéro d’Or reflects an Alps-Provence style with white wine made from the Piedmont-grown Cortese grape infused with cinchona bark, orange peel, wormwood and other exotic spices. It has a beautiful deep golden hue with an aroma of quince and fine marmalade, and a complex, mildly bitter taste that teases the tongue as its well-balanced sweetness prolongs the finish. Kina Aéro d’Or is absolutely spectacular in classic cocktails such as the 20th Century, Vesper or Corpse Reviver #2 and will easily find its way into many more cocktails of your own.

There is no reason not to have a great weekend.

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.