As we barrel toward the end of this crazy year, we are so grateful for the tremendous support we received from all of you in 2020. Thank you for the words of encouragement, the steady online orders, and the support of our local, small business. We would not have survived without your support. We are hoping for a healthier and more prosperous 2021, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow, or in the New Year!
We are open regular hours on New Year’s Eve, (12/31) from 10 AM – 6 PM.
CLOSED on New Year’s Day (January 1, 2021)
We reopen Saturday January 2, 2021 with regular hours (10 AM – 6 PM).
Have a safe and happy New Year!
STAFF’S PICK, BEST BOTTLES OF 2020
Ethan’s pick: La Sacristie de la Vielle Cure 2017, Fronsac ($24.99) “This wine pairs well with both lighter and heavier dishes and it’s a great bottle on its own as well. The slight spicy note is so yummy!” 92 points Wine Spectator
Mercede’s pick: Envidia Cochina Albariño, Rias Baixas ($27.99) Biodynamically produced. “Seafood is one of my favorite meals and this Albariño is an exquisite pairing with dishes like crab, clams, ceviche, fish tacos and more. I love this Albariño from Galicia because it has an excellent acidity, citrus, and fennel flavors, and a dry taste. The aftertaste is long with a mineral touch and subtle saltiness. Very elegant for seafood lovers. Enjoy it!”
Nate’s pick: Carmelo Patti Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Lujon de Cuyo Argentina (31.00) “I first got a whiff of this wine when I accidentally broke a bottle while stocking our shelves. The aromas were so captivating I bought a bottle. With interesting leather and spice notes and oak influence that is light and inoffensive, this wine will appeal to seekers of mature wines. The primary fruit character has mostly subsided but there is a lingering freshness and tangy acidity. The smooth tannins have become very well integrated after so many years in the bottle and the finish is long and enjoyable.” 94 points Wine Advocate
Sharon’s pick: CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja 2005 ($74.00) “This fabulous wine has aged to perfection. Shows great balance, earth and oak notes, superbly well integrated. Elegant and bright with cherry-cranberry fruit, it has a slight tartness on the finish. The velvety texture and silky tannins add to the complexity of this great wine. It was an excellent accompaniment to beef tenderloin but would also be fantastic with lamb, poultry or paella.” 95 points Wine Advocate
GREAT CHAMPAGNES ARE BACK IN STOCK:
L. Aubry Fils Brut, NV, 1er ($48.00) 35% Chardonnay, 30% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 5% Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau. 50% of the blend is the 2017 base vintage and 50% is from the perpetual reserve going back to 1998. The fruit comes from four Premier Cru villages – Jouy-lès-Reims, Villedommange, Pargny-lès-Reims, and Coulommes-la-Montagne. Undergoes malolactic fermentation. The Chardonnay is aged in used barrique, and the remainder in stainless steel, then the blend is aged on the lees for 24+ months. “A creamy viscosity complements the texture of this harmonious version. An accessible crowd-pleaser, with lightly juicy acidity and delicate flavors of chopped almond, baked pear, saline and citrus.” 91 points Wine Spectator
Vilmart “Grand Cellier” Brut 1er, NV, ($88.00) 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, from Premier Cru village Rilly-la-Montagne (Hautes Grèves vineyard.) Does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in large foudre, then 30+ months on the lees. Elegant and precise, a Champagne to celebrate with. “Fresh and focused, with spring blossom and smoke-tinged mineral aromas and flavors of plum, lemon curd and toast. A harmonious Champagne, with the racy spine of acidity and a delicate mousse carrying the lasting finish of spice, citrus and mineral.” 92 points Wine Spectator
Pierre Péters Cuvee de Reserve Brut Grand Cru NV ($65.00) 100% Chardonnay; a blend of the 2017 vintage base with 1988, 1990, 1993 and 1995 through 2016, except 1999 and 2003 (22 vintages!) from four Grand Cru villages: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize, and Oger. 75% undergoes malolactic fermentation. Aged in stainless steel, oak cask and concrete on fine lees for 24+ months. “…the latest rendition of Péters’ NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cuvée de Réserve offers up a lovely bouquet of citrus oil, pear, pastry cream, dried white flowers, hazelnuts and crushed chalk. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, fine-boned and elegant, with ripe but racy acids, a delicate pinpoint mousse and a long, saline finish. As usual, this is an immensely refined Champagne that exemplifies the timeless style of this Mesnil-based Chardonnay specialist.” 91 points Wine Advocate
Gaston Chiquet Blanc de Blanc d’Ay Brut Grand Cru NV ($58.00) 100% Chardonnay; all 2015 vintage from Grand Cru village Aÿ with clay and limestone over chalk soils. Undergoes malolactic fermentation, ages in stainless steel then on the lees for 40+ months. “…the latest release of Gaston Chiquet’s NV Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs d’Aÿ is showing beautifully, opening in the glass with scents of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, blanched almonds and fresh peach. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, bright and charming, with a succulent core of fruit, a delicate pinpoint mousse and a nicely defined finish. Elegant and expressive, this is a beautifully balanced Blanc de Blancs that would make for a perfect aperitif.” 92 points Wine Advocate
Pierre Gimonnet Chouilly 2012 Special Club, Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs ($141.00) To really celebrate the end of 2020, pick up one of these limited bottles (4 available). A “Special Club” Champagne designates a cuvee of exceptional quality from an artisanal grower-producer, produced in an outstanding vintage. Only made from estate-grown grapes and aged in the winemaker’s cellars, the champagnes are selected by a jury of oenologists and wine professionals. The selection is made by two blind tastings made three years apart, to assess the quality of viticulture and winemaking.
The 2012 Gimonnet Special Club is 100% Chardonnay, aged 60 months on the lees. Undergoes malolactic fermentation. “Produced exclusively from lieu-dit Montaigu in Chouilly, which represents some 30% of the regular Special Club bottling from Gimonnet, the 2012 Brut Special Club Chouilly Grand Cru is showing very well, revealing aromas of peach, pear, warm bread and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, textural and enveloping, it’s intense and racy, with lovely concentration and chalky structure.” 94 points Wine Advocate 95 points Wine Enthusiast
Paris-Madrid Grocery remains open regular hours, 7 days per week (except for major holidays), for in-person shopping. Our hours are Monday-Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM and Sundays, 11 AM – 5 PM. If shopping inside the store, a mask must be worn as per the recent state mandate to minimize the spread of Covid-19. If you don’t have a mask, we have them available for no charge at the check-out counter, along with complimentary vinyl gloves and hand sanitizer. You may also order online for curbside delivery, or call the store with your order at 206-682-0679. To place an online order, visit parismadridgrocery.com and on the home page, click the orange Order & Pick Up button. A product list will pop up; you may place an order and designate a pickup day and time. We will call you for credit card details when we receive the order and you’re set!
We have a designated 15-minute free pickup and load zone in front of our store to assist with quick stops and on-line curbside pickups. The City of Seattle is charging for parking now but only $.50 per hour. Read here for the latest details about parking in Seattle during the pandemic.