The sky is steel grey this morning in Madrona.  But while the forecast for the weekend looks cloudy, here at Madrona Wine we’ll be slipping away to sip in sunnier locations.  Come along with us.

Saturday, we’ll be tasting a warm line up of wines from Italy. 
2015 Vallevo, Costa dei Trabocchi, Rosé 
2012 Tornatore, Etna Rosso 
2011 Casa Vinicola Triacca, Bello Stento Chianti Classico 
2011 Casa Vinicola Triacca, La Madonnina Chianti Classico Riserva 
2013 Cá Salgari, Valpolicella Classico

Sunday, rain or shine, we’ll be slipping across the border and  pouring a Rhône rosé and a favorite red from the Languedoc, both just $11

2014 Pélaquié Lirac Rosé  $11
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Cinsault
The Lirac rosé is all grace and elegance fruit flavors offer a gown subtly mixed with raspberry highlights.  Was $15 now $11

2013 Chateau Coujan, Saint Chinian  $11
40% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 25% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
A lovely Saint Chinian red, the Coujan has right combination of earth, spice and red 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.

Marche
Etna
Chianti
Valpolicella
Saturday, May 21^st, 2pm

Saturday we’ll be tasting some classic wines from Italy, starting with a seaside rosé for the Marche, proceeding to a complex Nerello Mascalese from Sicily, two examples of serious Sangiovese and then to a great example of Veneto Valpolicella.  These wines all show true terroir and lively complexity.

2015 Vallevo, Costa dei Trabocchi, Rosé  $12
Sangiovese
This Rosé comes from the Marche region of Italy on the Adriatic Coast.  The wine is fruity and crisp with notes of strawberry, red fruit and soft floral notes that are bright and refreshing.

2012 Tornatore, Etna Rosso  $19
Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
This estate sits on the north slope of Mount Etna Where the volcanic soils nurture the local Nerello grapes.  The rosso has fresh and active aromas of savory flowers and cherry notes.  It is medium-bodied red with spice and eucalyptus alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity.

2011 Casa Vinicola Triacca, Bello Stento Chianti Classico  $17
90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Colorino
The La Madonnina estate lies at the heart of Chianti Classico at an altitude of 350 meters. The Bello Stento is made from the early harvest from the La Madonnina vineyard.  This classic Classico sees one year in barrel and shows good aromas of tea, tobacco, violets and berry.

2011 Casa Vinicola Triacca, La Madonnina Chianti Classico Riserva  $23
Sangiovese
The big wine from the La Madonnina vineyard, this Reserva comes from the later harvest  and ages for 2 years before bottling.  The wine has soft fruit of plum & cherry with classic tea and earth notes and a velvety smooth richness.

2013 Cá Salgari, Valpolicella Classico $15
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara and Croatina
The Salgari estate dates back to 1840.  The grapes for this Valpoicella are lightly dried before its 7 to 10 days of skin maceration.  The wine shows fragrant notes of red flowers, fruits and prominent notes of cherries, soft tannins and good persistence.

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.

Rain or shine we’re still going to pour a Provance rosé along with a heartier red from Bordeaux. Both are lower alcohol content wines. Pouring all day from 11 to 5.

2015 Commanderie de la Bargemone
Coteaux d’Aix en Provence ($15)
30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 15% Cinsault,
25% Cabernet
Aromas of wild strawberries and red currants, with a light, floral character and a crisp, bone-dry palate with a complex long finish.

12.5% alcohol by volume

2011 Camelot la Chapelle Bordeaux    ($10)
65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
A young and fresh Bordeaux with leather and mineral aromas and more cassis flavors than you expect for the money.
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 is Mayfair in Madrona this weekend.  Spring is in the air, and with the fresh air and the good weather some good deals blow in from some of our suppliers.  This Saturday we’re pouring a few of them.  They are all at a great price by the bottle, or order a case and
save 15% more.  Stop on by and see what suits your fancy. 
 
Antoine de Clairvoy, Brut Champagne $18
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
On the eyes, it offers a beautiful and bright straw-yellow color. The ring of beads is abundant and persistent. On the nose, the aromas are clear and cut. On the palate, the champagne is ample, round and fleshy. The finale is long lasting, harmonious and structured.
Was $35, Now $18 — by the case $15.30 a bottle

2014 Saint Roch, Les Vignes Rosé  $13
50% Cinsault, 50% Grenache
A dry Provence Rosé with lots of full fruit flavors of peach and nectarine.
Was $16 now $13 — by the case $11.05 a bottle

2013 Perroud, Brouilly Amethyste  $12
Gamay
The Perroud comes from a single vineyard Brouilly with a layer of amethyst crystal underground giving to the wine each year a unique Character.  The Amethyste is a classic Beaujolais with wild raspberries and blackberries, and exuberant fruit. This is balanced by firm minerality, fresh acidity, and smooth tannins.  Organic
Was $20 now $12 — by the case $10.20 a bottle

2011 Cellars Can Blau, Blue Gray Priorat $11
45% Garnacha, 30% Mazuelo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
A deal on a Priorat red with rich flavors of cherry and blackberry accented by licorice, mineral and spicy notes and well-integrated tannins. 
Was $18 now $11 — by the case $9.35 a bottle

2005 Château de Clairvoy, Côtes de Bourg  $14
75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc
Château de Clairvoy sits on limestone slopes on the right bank of the Gironde.  The wine from their estate vineyards is aged for 18 to 24 months in barrels before bottling.  The 2005 is rich and full, drinking great right now with several more years ahead.  Its velvety dark fruit blends with a licorice note and some spicy herbal undertones.
Was $25 now $14 — by the case $11.90 a bottle

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 this weekend in Madrona.  The sun is out, but there is more than yard work to do.

Saturday is the opening day of boating season, and the University and Montlake bridges will have their arms in the air for a lot of the day.  Good reason to stay close to home and drink some wine.  We’ll have a great sampling of local wines open in the afternoon. 
2014 Naches Heights Vineyard, Pinot Gris 
2015 Tertulia Cellars, Tempranillo Rosé
2013 Wilridge Winery, Clifton Vineyard Nebbiolo
2012 Holloran, La Chenaie Tempranillo 
2009 Tertulia Cellars, Redd Brand Red 

Saturday is also The 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby and we’ll be watching the race at the shop at 3:30.

Sunday is Mother’s Day and we’ll be pouring a new deal on Pink Champagne to celebrate.

Antoine de Clairvoy, Rosé Champagne  $18
Antoine de Clairvoy Rosé is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier with an addition of 15% Premier Cru Red Wine. It opens up in the glass to reveal deep aromas of small woodland strawberries followed by sparkling notes of black currants and red currants, ending with more delicate spicy notes such as vanilla and cinnamon. The mousse is creamy and long-lasting. A lively, fruity and fresh Champagne!
Was $35, Now $18

Sunday is also the artist reception for our new show Wildlife — pen & ink and watercolor drawings by Irene Akio.  Come see the new work and meet the artist from 3 to 5.

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 sipping close to home.  We’ll be trying local wines from Washington and Oregon.  Some are even made just down the block.  We have a tasty assortment of varietals to please the palate.

Come join us
 
2014 Naches Heights Vineyard, Pinot Gris  $13
This Washington Pinot Gris comes from the cooler Naches Heights AVA on the east facing slope just west of Yakima.  Phil Cline grows his grapes sustainably, organically and Bio-Dynamically.  His Pinot Gris has aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, peach skin and ripe pear in the front and mid palate combined with crisp flavors of apple with hints of melon.  Organic, 13% alcohol by volume
 
2015 Tertulia Cellars, Tempranillo Rosé $16
Not often see outside of Spain, this Tempranillo rosé comes from Walla Walla.  The new vintage is just released so we can try it together.
 
2013 Wilridge Winery, Clifton Vineyard Nebbiolo  $20
Wilridge is the closest winery to Madrona Wine Merchants.  Winemaker Paul Beveridge has been making Wilridge wines for over twenty years.   And his love for Italian varietals is pronounced.   Paul’s Nebbiolos have been a series of hits and misses, but the 2013 from Clifton Vineyard fruit is a definite hit.  Clean cherry fruit and enough subtitle tannins to keep you sipping.

2012 Holloran, La Chenaie Tempranillo  $23
Holloran has five estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley which they farm sustainably and organically.  Their Tempranillo is from their La Chenaie Vineyard in the Eola-Amity AVA.  The wine is clean and elegant, more Rioja than Walla Walla.

2009 Tertulia Cellars, Redd Brand Red  $12
52 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
Tertulia Cellars specializes in terroir driven wines from the Walla Walla valley.  Their second label Redd Brand was named after a rancher by the name of Bill Redd. He was founder of the Red Meadow Bar in Helena, Montana. Cowboys and ranch hands gathered at this bar after a long day of hard and dusty labor to “wet their whistle.  The red paisley design is reminiscent of a cowboy ‘kerchief.  Both were a horrible marketing decision.  As a result, we get a good deal on this Washington blend.  The wine has aromas of cherry, coconut and black olive followed by full ripe fruit and a nice structure.  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.

Take time out from the May Day Revolutions and fill your May Day Basket with these new arrivals and bargains. A delightful Pinot Gris from Oregon paired with a very drinkable Lirac French. Pouring all day from 11 to 5.

2014 Abiqua Wind Pinot Gris    ($12)
A full Oregon Pinot Gris from a small estate with a good balance of fruit to acidity.
13.5% alcohol by volume

2014 Domaine Amido Lirac    ($14)
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
According to Abaji: “This is a very drinkable wine and a good value. Tobacco, clove, light fruit, almost absent of tannins but has good depth, not too light. This bottle vanished frighteningly quickly.” Was $16, Now $14

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 Vineyards is a local importer specializing in small production wines from Italy. Why? Because they believe, like us, that the very best consistency and value in wines generally comes from smaller estates. If you think about it, it’s a lot easier to make a great meal for 5 people than for 500, and winemaking is no different. Come by on Saturday and see the small banquet we have in store.

2014 Giocato Pinot Grigio $11
This Pinot Grigio is made from grapes hand-selected from some of the best sites along the Italian border in Slovenia. It is bright and crisp, with aromas of delicious green apple, acacia flower, and almonds. Ready to enjoy now. 12.5% alcohol by volume.

2014 Le Rote Vernaccia $15
Vernaccia di San Gimignano has the honor of being Italia’s first ever D.O.C. wine (1966), promoted in 1993 to D.O.C.G. This wine is a bright, exciting, floral delight with cleansing citrus and a lush body. Made by the Scotti family, this is the best Vernaccia we have come across in years. Why? These 35-year-old vines pack loads of Old World minerality into every sip. 13% alcohol by volume.

2011 Casa Contini Brindisi Reserva $12
Negroamaro, Malvasia, Sangiovese
A truly elegant, lush Negroamaro-based wine, with classic alluring, dark fruits and exotic spices. Aged 2 years in 50 hl oak barrels, it boasts lovely, granular tannins, and a smoothness that belies the typical southern Italian wine category. An extraordinary value, and a unique selection that is very hard to find! 13% alcohol by volume

2014 La Quercia Montepluciano di Abruzzo $11
100% Montepulciano
This Montepulciano is a great example of what can happen when you match low-yield winemaking expertise with a prolific growing zone, and constantly cut, cut, cut back the vines. Made by winemaker Antonio Lamona, the result is one of the best quality, most expressive and balanced Montepulcianos around. This wine is also 100% organic, and delivers as a wine that takes no shortcuts. 13% alcohol by volume.

2012 Lonardi Ripasso $24
75% Corvina, 20% Rondinella. 5% Molinara
Ripasso refers to the re-passing of Valpolicella Classico through the pressed, raisined skins used for Amarone. These skins are aromatic, high in alcohol and flavor, and are very valuable; that is why true Ripasso is a small production wine. Some brands attempt to short-cut the process by adding residual sugar–but not Giuseppe. This offering from Lonardi has cranberry notes with chocolate that epitomizes the characteristics of Corvina.

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’ve only got one bottle open today – BUT WHAT A DEAL! The producer/importer of this lovely Bordeaux dropped the price to raise some cash. And we jumped at the chance to pick it up.

2005 Château de Clairvoy, Côtes de Bourg ($14)
75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon,
7% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc
Château de Clairvoy sits on limestone slopes on the right bank of the Gironde. The wine from their estate vineyards is aged for 18 to 24 months in barrels before bottling. The 2005 is rich and full, drinking great right now with several more years ahead. Its velvety dark frit blends with a licorice note and some spicy herbal undertones.
Was $25 now $14

Buy it by the case and take an additional 15% off. That’s only $11.90 a bottle.

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.