55 Degree Wine

PIEMONTESE BIANCOS $15.00 FLIGHT

Il Saulino “Sorito” Cortese 2008 Piemonte, Italia

This cantina has 12 hectares of vines in the heart of the Gavi DOCG zona, mostly dedicated to Cortese.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 7.50

Saulino Gavi 2007 Piemonte, Italia

100% Cortese, hand harvested mid-September & fermented in steel to keep acidity.

Taste: $ 5.00 Glass: $12.00

Riofava Roero Arneis 2007 Piemonte, Italia

Arneis, aka “Barolo Bianco.” Translates to “little rascal.” Roero is the newest DOCG in Piemonte.

Taste: $ 6.00 Glass: $14.00

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SPAGHETTI NIGHT REDS $10.50 FLIGHT

Trambusti Chianti 2008 Toscana, Italia

An everyday drinking Chianti from the best zona of production in Chianti.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 7.50

Bolero Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007 Abruzzo, Italia

Warm days & cool nights combined with the mountain air make for a meaty, rich wine – super food friendly.

Taste: $ 3.50 Glass: $ 6.00

Botter “Caleo” Negroamaro 2007 Puglia, Italia

Very traditional vine of the Salento area (the zone on the “high heel” of Italy’s boot.)

Taste: $ 3.00 Glass: $ 5.50

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TEMPRANILLO – SUAVE $11.00 FLIGHT

Cherubino “Castillo de Olleria” Tinto 2007 Valencia, España

Blend of 75% Bobal and 25% Tempranillo. Bobal has a higher than average Resveratrol quantity!!

Taste: $ 3.00 Glass: $ 5.00

Cherubino “Marques de Caro” Tempranillo 2006 Valencia, España

Tempranillo kept cool during fermentation…then aged without the influence of any oak.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 7.50

Solar de Estraunza Tinto 2007 Rioja, España

Tempranillo put through carbonic maceration. Keeps it fresh fruit in stainless steel tanks.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 7.00

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THE CULT OF CALIFORNIA $21.00 FLIGHT

D’Anbino “Orchestration” Red Blend NV Paso Robles, California

This is a big blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Syrah.

Taste: $ 7.00 Glass: $18.00

Suited “Gina Georgette Limited” Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Alexander Valley, California

100% Cabernet from the cooler climes of Sonoma…a fun and sexy exploration.

Taste: $ 6.00 Glass: $15.00

Carini Oakvile Merlot 2002 Napa Valley, California

From Andrew Carini: “I generally do a 3-5 day pre fermentation cold maceration of the fruit. This is followed by a 15-30 day slow and steady fermentation in small 1 ton containers with multiple cultured and indigenous yeasts.”

Taste: $ 8.00 Glass: $20.00

Posted in Wine Tasting |

LOVIN THE STELVIN! $11.00 FLIGHT

Cardeto “Matile” Orvieto 2008 Umbria, Italia

Nestled in the hills east of Rome this 120-year-old cantina brings new focus to an ancient white grape.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 7.00

Palamà “Brontolo” Salento Bianco NV Puglia, Italia

An estate since 1936, they started bottling their production in the 90s. “Brontolo” means Grumpy (one of the dwarves)!

Taste: $ 3.00 Glass: $ 5.00

Culley Riesling 2006 Marlborough, New Zealand

Wines grown in cool climate Marlborough develop more minerality and soft, palate cleaning acidity.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 7.00

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REALLY ROSÉ REDUX $ 13.00 FLIGHT

Martello “Aprutium alma Mater” Cerasuolo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008, Abruzzo, Italia

Four generations of the Masci family are active in the winemaking here (well, the little kids are mostly there for inspiration…) and the results are a direct line to the terroir of the rugged hills of the Abruzzo.

Taste: $ 3.50 Glass: $ 6.50

Palamà “Matiusco” Salento Rosato 2008 Puglia, Italia

Metiusco: in Greek “I was inebriated.” This rosato wine made from 100% Negroamaro.

Taste: $ 5.50 Glass: $12.00

Sea Flower “Deep Sea” Rosé 2008 Central Coast, California

“Deep Sea” represents the Conway family’s ongoing search for a maritime influenced vineyard of merit. This 67% Syrah and 33% Grenache rosé is bright and very food-friendly.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 8.00

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NORTHERN SECRETS $18.00 FLIGHT

Endrizzi Gropello di Revò 2003 Trentino, Italia

Glaciers building and eroding influence the rich mineral diversity of Trentino’s soil – and this native grape…..Groppello the “knot.”

Taste: $ 3.50 Glass: $13.50

Jacuss “Fuc e Flamis” Schioppettino 2005 Friuli, Italia

The Friulani named this grape after the sound of a shotgun: Schioppettino means “ricochet” or “buckshot” in the local dialect!

Taste: $ 7.00 Glass: $18.00

Laimburg Süditrol Lagrein 2005 Alto Adige, Italia

Despite its northern location, this cantina has palm trees & agave plants in front of its facilities which is due to warm winds blowing off the lakes to their south. This is one of the warmest areas in Alto Adige….think riper fruit!

Taste: $ 5.50 Glass: $13.50

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EMILIA-ROMAGNA – THE ROMAN ROAD $17.00 FLIGHT

Uccellina “Bursôn” Ravenna Rosso 2006 Emilia- Romagna, Italia

Longanesi is a unique grape variety recently “discovered” in a 200 year old monastery in Ravenna.

Taste: $ 5.00 Glass: $11.50

Nespoli Sangiovese di Romagna 2006 Emilia-Romagna, Italia

Sangiovese grosso with only 30% of the wine aged in French oak barrels – keeps Sangio’s bright flavors intact!

Taste: $ 5.00 Glass: $12.00

Fattoria Monticino del Rosso “Pradello” Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Emilia-Romagna, Italia

“French” grape, French oak = wine produced in the zona “home” of prosciutto.

Taste: $ 7.00 Glass: $18.00

Posted in Wine Tasting |

SoCal Specials Part 2

Tasting in the Cellar Sunday 8/30 5pm -10pm

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New arrivals from the breweries of Southern California.

The Bruery Orchard White

White Ale The Bruery Placentia, CA ……5.7% ABV

Started first as a homebrewery, their calling was to create beers with character and depth using the simplest and purest of means. No filtering or pasteurizing.

Taste: $ 2.50 Glass: $ 4.50

The Bruery Saison Rue

Farmhouse Ale/Saison The Bruery Placentia, CA ……8.5% ABV

Inspired by those in the brewing community who are pushing the limits of what ‘beer’ is, these brewers aspire to be an influential force in craft brewing.

Taste: $ 3.00 Glass: $ 7.00

AleSmith Horny Devil Ale

Strong Pale Ale AleSmith Brewing Company San Diego, CA ……11.0% ABV

An authentic Belgian Style ale, from the Belgian candi sugar right down to the yeast, a Belgian strain from a Trappist monastery in Belgium. In addition to the malts, candi sugar and fresh hops, there is also a little added twist from coriander seeds.

Taste: $ 3.00 Glass: $ 6.50

AleSmith Grand Cru Ale

Strong Dark Ale AleSmith Brewing Company San Diego, CA ……10.0% ABV

Alesmith’s other Belgian-style Ale. As with Horny Devil, it is fermented using yeast from a Trappist monastery in Belgium. A darker type of Belgian candi sugar gives it more color and a richer complexity, consistent with the Belgian style.

Taste: $3.00 Glass: $6.50

Stone Smoked Porter

American Porter Stone Brewing Company Escondido, CA……5.9% ABV

This brewery was started by two buddies (major beer enthusiasts) who had the vision of brewing nothing but the highest of quality and uncompromising beer imaginable.

Taste: $2.50 Glass: $ 5.00

$14.00

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

SoCal Specials Part 1

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New arrivals from the breweries of Southern California.

The Lost Abbey Witch’s Wit

White Ale Port Brewing Company San Marcos, CA ……4.8% ABV

This traditional Witbier (Wheat beer) has been developed in homage to the witbier forefathers of Belgian brewing. Citrus, spicy, and refreshing.

The Lost Abbey Carnevale Ale

Farmhouse Ale/Saison Port Brewing Company San Marcos, CA ……6.5% ABV

Brewers all around the world celebrate the arrival of each new season with limited releases of specialty beers. This is a dry, hoppy saison ale with silkiness from the oats.

The Lost Abbey Avant Garde Ale

Biere de Garde Port Brewing Company San Marcos, CA ……7.0% ABV

From the French word “Garde” meaning something worth keeping, this Biere de Garde styled Farmhouse Ale is a most delicious companion to a loaf of freshly baked bread.

The Lost Abbey Inferno

Strong Pale Ale Port Brewing Company San Marcos, CA ……8.5% ABV

At least Satan serves beer in Hell. He brews it himself right there in that flame stoked cauldron. Rumor has it the beer is straw-yellow, bone dry and simply labeled Inferno.

Stone Smoked Porter

American Porter Stone Brewing Company, Escondido, CA……5.9% ABV

This brewery was started by two buddies (major beer enthusiasts) who had the vision of brewing nothing but the highest of quality and uncompromising beer imaginable.

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

HAVE YOU HEARD OF?? $14.00 FLIGHT

Marcella Giuliani “Alagna” Passerina 2007 Lazio, Italia

Nestled in the hills east of Rome this 120-year-old cantina brings new focus to an ancient white grape.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 9.00

Enzo Mecella “Pagliano” Verdicchio di Matelica 2007 le Marche, Italia

A fuller bodied version of Verdicchio that lends itself to long aging.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 9.50

Torricino Fiano di Avellino 2007 Campania, Italia

From a small 4-acre vineyard in the township of Lupio, this variety thrives in the local volcanic soils!

Taste: $ 5.50 Glass: $12.50

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SANGIOVESE IN THE MIX $ 11.00 FLIGHT

Miglianico “Cerro” Terre di Chieti Sangiovese 2007 Abruzzo, Italia

Blending local fave Montepulciano with the far-reaching Sangiovese – a perfect pizza and pasta night red.

Taste: $ 3.50 Glass: $ 6.50

Cardeto “Matile” Rosso 2007 Umbria, Italia

A fantastic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot, Ciliegiolo, and Montepulciano.

Taste: $ 3.50 Glass: $ 6.00

Di Sesta “Camponovo” Rosso 2007 Toscana, Italia

Blend of locals: Sangiovese, Colorino and Caniaolo….spends time aging in Slovenian Oak.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 9.00

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CANTINA DISCOVERY: MOURAS DE ARRAIOLOS $11.00 FLIGHT

Mouras de Arraiolos “Patameiras” Branco 2007 Alentejano, Portugal

A blend of Arinto, Antão Vaz and Perrum fermented in stainless steel for maximum freshness.

Taste: $ 3.00 Glass: $ 5.00

Mouras de Arraiolos Moira’s “Aveludado” Tinto 2006 Alentejano, Portugal

The “Velvety” blend of Trincadeira, Alicante Bouchet and Syrah. Aging in oak brings out the ”Aveludado” finish.

Taste: $3.50 Glass: $6.00

Mouras de Arraiolos Grenache Tinto Reserva 2006 Alentejano, Portugal

Unlike Spanish Garnacha or French Côtes du Rhône this Grenache is left to cold soak after fermentation for flavor, texture and the structure of supple tannins.

Taste: $4.50 Glass: $10.00

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SOUTHERN BLENDS $16.50 FLIGHT

Avide Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2006 Sicilia, Italia

Sicilia’s first DOCG: The Etichetta Nera (black label) is 60/40 Frappato/Nero d’Avola fermented in steel and aged eight months in bottle

Taste: $ 5.00      Glass: $12.50

Palamà “Mavro” Salento Rosso 2006 Puglia, Italia

“Mavro” is Greek for “black” and this blend of Malvasia Nera and Negroamaro IS quite dark.

Taste: $ 6.00 Glass: $14.00

Lento “Dragone” Lamezia Rosso 2005 Calabria, Italia

A blend of Magliocco, Nerello, and Greco Nero. Aged in French oak.

Taste: $ 5.50 Glass: $13.00

Posted in Wine Tasting |

The Italians do work with familiar grapes – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir & Merlot here…..

Posted in Wine Videos with Staci |

SUPER SOAVE $17.00 FLIGHT

Fiippi Soave 2006 Veneto, Italia

Soave is made with Garganega grapes grown around the village of Soave in the Veneto region.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 9.00

Coffele “Alzari” Soave Classico 2004 Veneto, Italia

100% Garganega, partially air-dried, then aged for 12 months in large oak barrels takes Soave to new places.

Taste: $ 6.00 Glass: $15.00

Villa Erbice “Vigneto Panvinio” Soave Superiore 2005 Veneto, Italia

Grown on the oldest vines in the family’s Soave holding, nestled at the foot of a south facing hill.

Taste: $6.00 Glass: $16.00

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A ROUTE THROUGH RIOJA $ 16.00 FLIGHT

Jaun de Alzate Graciano 2006 Rioja-Alavesa, España

Graciano is a plump, meaty and juicy variety that is usually blended into Rioja to up the depth and color.

Taste: $ 5.50 Glass: $12.00

Solar de Samaniego Crianza 2003 Rioja, España

Tempranillo and Garnacha with a finish in American oak.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $10.00

Don Jacobo Rioja Riserva 2002 Rioja, España

Traditional Rioja blend: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha/Mazuelo that spends 15 months in cask to mature.

Taste: $ 6.00 Glass: $15.00

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U BET SHIRAZ $12.00 FLIGHT

AU Shiraz 2004 Brossa Valley, Australia

100% Syrah/Shiraz from the acclaimed Barossa Valley. Wee bit of aging in oak lends soft tannins.

Taste: $ 3.00 Glass: $5.00

Man Vintners “Sénga” Shiraz 2004 Coastal, South Africa

Fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit, then mellowed in oak for 12 months.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 9.00

Fife Syrah 2002 Mendocino, California

Lovingly hand tended vines from well-drained soils in Mendocino County, the northwest coast of CA.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $10.00

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ROSSO MEANS RED?? $17.00 FLIGHT

Ippolito “Cirò Cirò” Rosso 2006 Calabria, Italia

Cirò may be the oldest type of wine still in production, with roots back to pre-Roman days when this part of Italy was Magna Grecia.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $8.00

Fatascià “Rosso del Presidente” 2005 Sicilia, Italia

Nero d’Avola pumps up the structure and aromatics plus a committed dose of spicy Cabernet Franc.

Taste: $ 6.00 Glass: $15.00

Mastrojanni Rosso di Montalcino 2006 Toscana, Italia

The soils here in the southeastern area of Montalcino are rich in gravel, clay, & limestone from inactive Mount Amiata.

Taste: $ 7.00 Glass: $18.00

Posted in Wine Tasting |

Tasting three of the truly unique wines of Italy!

Posted in Wine Videos with Staci |

Special Beer Tasting!

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Welcome our new English beer selections hosted by Xavier Miane.

St. Peter’s Old Style Porter

St. Peter’s Brewery, Suffolk, UK ……4.8% ABV

This fine beer is a blend of a mature old ale and a younger light beer, like true Porters should be.

St. Peter’s Organic English Ale

St. Peter’s Brewery, Suffolk, UK ……4.6% ABV

Organic Hallertau hops from New Zealand provide the distinctive palate.

St. Peter’s Golden Ale

St. Peter’s Brewery, Suffolk, UK ……4.8% ABV

English Pale malts are joined with Goldings hops to provide the bitterness and aroma.

St. Peter’s India Pale Ale

St. Peter’s Brewery, Suffolk, UK ……5.5% ABV

IPA gets its name and unique style from British brewers who were making beer for export to India.

St. Peter’s Cream Stout

St. Peter’s Brewery, Suffolk, UK …5.9% ABV

A Gold Medal winner in the 2003 and 2004 International Beer Competition.

Hobgoblin Dark English Ale

Wychwood Brewery, Oxfordshire, UK ……5.2% ABV

Established in 1841, this brewery is named after the ancient medieval forest of The Wych Wood.

Duchy Original Organic English Ale

Wychwood Brewery, Oxfordshire, UK …4.7% ABV

Traditionally brewed by using barley from the Home Farm at Highgrove owned by the Royal Family.

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

FOB: Biancos $15.50 FLIGHT

Corte Marzago Bianco di Custoza Organic 2008 Veneto, Italia

Garganega, Cortese, Trebbiano Toscano, Tocai and Chardonnay woven into a light and lively sipper.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 9.50

Ciù Ciù “Le Merlettaie” Offida Pecorino Organic 2007 le Marche, Italia

“Its nose transports you directly to the wildflower strewn hillsides of Offida, then, down, down, down into the very rocks those hills stand on.”

Taste: $ 5.00 Glass: $11.50

Solidea “ìlios” Zibibbo 2007 Pantelleria, Italia

Zibibbo, an Egyptian variety, aka Muscat of Alexandria. Introduced in Sicily by the Arabs. Grown in Sicily & in Calabria, but, only the island of Pantelleria is able to achieve the best quality berries large and sweet.

Taste: $ 6.00 Glass: $14.00

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BEAUTIFUL BLEND $ 16.50 FLIGHT

Ciù Ciù “Bacchus” Rosso Piceno Organic 2008 le Marche, Italia

A robust 50 / 50 blend of Montepulciano & Sangiovese fermented on the skins for ten days then allowed to integrate for six months in stainless steel and a further three months in bottle.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 9.00

Picchioni Buttafuoco 2001 Lombardia, Italia

Cool climate blend of Croatina, Barbera & Vespolina left on the skins for an extended period then rested in barrique.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 9.50

Château Feuillet Torrette Superieur 2005 Valle d’Aosta, Italia

“Superieur” indicates careful selection of the best bunches, air drying, a slow soak, plus fermentation in small oak casks.

Taste: $ 7.50 Glass: $20.00

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CANTINE DISCOVERY: LOMAZZI & SARLI $13.50 FLIGHT

Lomazzi & Sarli “Giràle” Negroamaro ORGANIC 2008 Puglia, Italia

L & S have managed to drag a traditional winery (since 1869 on land used for viticulture since the 8th century BC!) to the future by making it even MORE old school: all organic agriculture & hand harvesting of 30+ year old vines.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 7.50

Lomazzi & Sarli “Latias” Primitivo ORGANIC 2006 Puglia, Italia

Fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit, then mellowed in oak for 12 months.

Taste: $ 5.00 Glass: $11.50

Lomazzi & Sarli “Solise” Brindisi Riserva ORGANIC 2006 Puglia, Italia

100% Negroamaro. 15 -16 days of maceration, fermented in steel and then spends a year in French Oak.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 9.50

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BUBBLIES OF THE EMILIA-ROMAGNA $12.50 FLIGHT

Puianello “Le Gemme” Malvasia Dolce Frizzante NV Emilia-Romagna, Italia

A wine that is just a tad sweeter & more aromatic than Prosecco but not quite as hedonistic as Moscato d’Asti.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 8.00

Caprari “Foieta” Lambrusco Secco Frizzante NV Emilia-Romagna, Italia

Foieta is a traditional bowl used by vineyard workers to consume broth, wine and pasta.

Taste: $ 4.50 Glass: $ 10.00

Puianello “Luceria” Lambrusco Grasparossa Amabile NV Emilia-Romagna, Italia

Made from 100% Lambrusco Grasparossa grapes and fermented in the traditional Charmat Method.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 6.50

Posted in Wine Tasting |