55 Degree Wine

BIT O’ THE BUBBLIES DI ITALIA                                                                       $15.50 FLIGHT

Balgera Chiavanesca Frizzante                        NV         Lombardia, Italia

100% Nebbiolo (the varietal used to make Barolo, Barbaresco and, Nebbiolo Sforzato) vinified WHITE then fizz-a-fied to about the pressure and refreshment factor of a nice Prosecco.

Cá Furlan “Cuvée Beatrice” Spumante Prosecco NV              Veneto, Italia

Prosecco just plain rules: It is not about being super dry and toasty and yeasty and all those things we love in great fizz from la Champagne. It is lighter and zestier and more aromatic but never actually sweet with crisp, refreshing acidity.

Cascina Fonda “Bel Piasi” Asti Spumante 2008               Friuli, Italia

The foam formation takes place in pressure tanks with the addition of selected yeasts to reach an excess pressure of 4.5 Atm is followed  by stabilization and refrigeration at -4° C. Before bottling the wine undergoes microfiltration, and it is then left to refine in the bottle for several weeks.

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FOBiancos:  THE GLOBAL TOUR                                                                   $10.00 FLIGHT

Quinta de Azevedo “Gazela” Vinho Verde 2009                  Gaia, Portugal

Portugal’s Vinho Verde region in northwest Portugal. 
Its most famous wine is Mateus Rose. Vinho Verde refers to young wine whose grapes only ripen a bit.

Wildhurst Vineyards Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2004    Lake County, Califorina

Stainless steel fermented Sauvignon Blanc with a splash of Semillion creates an intensely fresh and vibrant wine.

Ronchi di Cialla “Ciallabianco” Colli Orientali del Fruili 2000                     Friuli, Italia

A wondrous mélange of Rioblla Gialla, Verduzzo, Friulano and exotic Picolit, this aromatic beauty is just coming into its prime at nine years of age.

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CANTINA DISCOVERY: CÍU CÍU                                                                   $21.00 FLIGHT

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, into the very rocks those hills stand on.”

Ciù Ciù “Esperanto” Offida Rosso Organic 2001             le Marche, Italia

Named for the international language, “Esperanto” is a blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ciù Ciù “Oppîdum” Rosso Organic 2002             le Marche, Italia

Organic producer taking the best of the Marche – 100% Montepulciano and finding an international audience, especially through their restaurant.

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WINES OF PLACE                                                                                           $14.50 FLIGHT

Giribaldi San Lorenzo Dolcetto d’Alba 2005              Piemonte, Italia

Fresh and fruity, but still old-world this Dolcetto shows its true varietal character with dark fruit and licorice and the finesse and complexity that only the finest single vineyard fruit can provide.

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

Lomazzi & Sarli “Solise” Brindisi Riserva ORGANIC 2005                           Puglia, Italia

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

Posted in Wine Tasting |

Oktoberfest! Prost!

SUNDAY OCT 4th, 5pm – 10pm

We have the BBQ out grilling up some bratwurst sausages. Have a HEFEWEIZEN / DUNKEL to wash down the tasty bratwurst sausage sandwich.

Oktoberfest is a sixteen-day festival held each year in Munich, Germany running from late September to usually the first Sunday in October. Come on down to the Beer Dungeon and try our entire German bier selection from the store.  This is a bit of different style of “Sunday Beer Tasting”, but what better way to celebrate Oktoberfest. Each of these will be offered ONLY BY THE BOTTLE (500mL) and make sure to get a BRATWURST SANDWICH while you drink. Prost!

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“Beer turns thirst into a beautifu

l thing.” –Old German Proverb

BRATWURST SAUSAGE SANDWICH $3.00

LAGER / PILSNER STYLE         BOTTLE

Weihenstephaner Original (Lager) $6.50

Weihenstephaner Festbier (Märzen) $6.50

Reissdorf (Kölsch) $8.00

Schonramer (Pilsner) $7.50

Kostritzer Schwarzbier (Black Lager) $5.50

Spaten Oktoberfest (Marzen) $4.00

HEFEWEIZEN / DUNKEL

Hopf Helle Weisse (Hefeweizen) $8.00

Hopf Spezial Weisse (Hefeweizen) $8.00

Wiesen Edel-Weisse Organic (Hefeweizen) $8.00

Reutberger (Hefeweizen) $8.00

Hopf Dunkel Weisse (Dunkelweizen) $8.00

BOCK / DOPPELBOCK / EISBOCK

Weihenstephaner Vitus (Weizenbock) $6.50

Spaten Optimator (Doppelbock) $5.50

Aventinus (Doppelbock) $7.50

Aventinus Weizen (Eisbock) $8.00

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

Autumn Harvest Beers

5pm – 10pm

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Some selections from countries one would not expect to pump out amazing beer.

Duvel Golden Ale

Belgian Strong Pale Ale           Duvel Moortgat Brewery, Belgium ……8.5% ABV

A story of a dark beer turning blonde, the Moortgat Brewery decided to brew a beer that would rival the pale golden pilsners coming from Czechoslovakia.

Taste:  $ 3.00 Glass:  $ 6.50

Russian River Brewing Temptation

American Wild Ale          Russian River Brewing Co  Santa Rosa, CA ……7.25% ABV

Formerly owned by the Korbel Champagne Cellars, the brewmaster and his wife purchased the brewery and established an eclectic line of brews.  Namely, this blonde ale aged in French oak Chardonnay barrels.

Taste:  $ 5.50 Glass:  $ 13.00

McChouffe

Belgain Strong Dark Ale             D’Achouffe Brewery, Belgium ……8.0% ABV

Known as the “Dark Sister” of the beer products at Achouffe, this ale rightly deserves the title of “Scotch of the Ardennes”.

Taste:  $ 3.50 Glass:  $ 7.00

Chimay Première (Red)

Dubbel/Strong Dark Ale             Bieres de Chimay, Scourmont, Belgium ……7.0% ABV

An essential point of the Rule of the Monks is that they must not only earn their living by their own work, like all mortals, but must also procure through this work the means to assist those poorer than themselves.  The brewery business pays rent for use of the property within the abbey, which is used to support the monastic community.

Taste:  $ 3.00 Glass:  $ 6.50

$ 15

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

TRE BICCHIERE: RONCO DEL GELSO                                                          $20.00 FLIGHT

Ronco del Gelso “Sot lis Rivis” Pinot Grigio 2008                Friuli, Italia

Put through malolactic fermentation this wine even ages for a brief time in wood, making it much richer than most Grigios you will encounter, but it still finishes with trademark Isonzo minerality.

Ronco del Gelso Sauvignon 2007               Friuli, Italia

Ronco del Gelso (“the hill of the mulberry tree”) is a very serious, famous estate making a broad range of wines, particularly famous for their Merlot, Tocai and Sauvignon.

Ronco del Gelso Friulano 2007               Friuli, Italia

Ronco’s 15 hectares of vines are located on the right bank of the Isonzo river.  Due to deep gravely soil, cycles of warm daytime winds from the Adriatic & cool nighttime breezes from the mountains to the north, they make so many fabulous, unique wines.

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END OF SUMMER ROSÉS                                                                            $13.00 FLIGHT

Quina do Carmo “Dom Martinho” Vinho Rosé 2007             Alentejo, Portugal

Dom Martinho is one of the single great parcels of vineyard.  Since 1992, the Domains Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) has been contributing to the quality of this estate. Aragonez 50 %, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Syrah 20 %, Touriga Nacional 10 %

Cipressi “Venas” Rosato 2006                     Molise, Italia

Montepulciano pulled off the skins with just a blush of color but tons of fruit, lively acidity and flavor to refresh.

Palamà “Metiusco” Salento Rosato 2008                     Puglia, Italia

Metiusco: in Greek

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INTO THE NEBBIA: NEBBIOLOS                                                                   $21.00 FLIGHT

Pagor Stolpman Vineyards Nebbiolo 2005           Santa Barbara County, California

100% Nebbiolo from one of Santa Barbara’s premier vineyards…from a true garagista – Cali style.

Nada Fiorenzo Langhe Nebbiolo 2007               Piemonte, Italia

Vignerons since 1921, the wines of this family were sold in bulk until Fiorenzo’s son Bruno convinced him to estate bottle in 1982. Drawn from the choice Rombone and Manzola vineyards this is 100% Nebbiolo!

Cà Nova Ghemme 2003                Piemonte, Italia

Nebbiolo based DOCG wine of the Novara hills differs from Barolo & Barbaresco as it comes from cooler climes & different terroir.  Slightly lighter, with less ferocious tannins in their youth, they mature earlier.

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A LITTLE OF THIS A LITTLE OF THAT: ROSSOS                                              $14.50 FLIGHT

Cardeto “Matile” Rosso 2007                 Umbria, Italia

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

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

A robust 50/50 blend of Montepulciano & Sangiovese fermented on the skins for 10 days and six months in stainless steel.

Fatascià “Rosso del Presidente” 2005                    Sicilia, Italia

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

Posted in Wine Tasting |

End of Summer Specials

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ $ 16 FOR A FLIGHT OF  5 BEERS !!!~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Enjoy the final moments of Southern California sun with these refreshing beers.

Weihenstephaner Original Premium

Munich Helles Lager              Brauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany ……5.1% ABV

This is the oldest brewery in the world, established in 1040.

Taste:  $ 2.00 Glass:  $ 4.00

Ommegang Witte

Witbier             Brewery Ommegang, NY, USA ……5.1% ABV

Adhering closely to traditional ingredients/flavor profiles, Witte proved its worth at the 2008 World Beer Cup by capturing Silver in its category amongst the best in the world.

Taste:  $ 3.00 Glass:  $ 6.50

Saison Dupont

Saison/Farmhouse Ale       Brasserie Dupont, Belgium ……6.5% ABV

Because Dupont basically only sells beer from the brewery, they haven’t concerned themselves with developing a yeast that travels well. For the uninitiated, the look of the beer is daunting. However, the sweetest rewards await the adventurous.

Taste:  $ 3.50 Glass:  $ 7.00

Maredsous Tripel Ale

Tripel                    Duvel Moortgat, Belgium ……10.0% ABV

The Maredsous Abbey beers (the authentic beer of the Benedictine monks) are still brewed based off the original Benedictine monks’ recipe.

Taste:  $ 4.00 Glass:  $ 8.00

Buffalo Belgian Stout

Belgian Strong Dark Ale             Van den Bossche, Belgium ……9.0% ABV

In 1907 “Buffalo Bill’s” Circus from the US played on the town square of Sint-Lievens-Esse. The brewery workers arranged for a young apprentice to watch over the brew kettels. He did, but he forgot to stir and Buffalo was born.

Taste:  $ 3.50 Glass:  $ 6.50

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

EUROPEAN WHITE BLENDS                                                            $14.00 FLIGHT

Mouras de Arraiolos “Patameiras” Branco 2007       Alentejo, Portugal

Heard of Antão Vaz, Arinto or Perrum??  These are the grapes that make this quaffable white wine.

Taste:  $3.00 Glass:  $5.00

Castellana “Pinspiración Pampano” Vino Blanco Seco 2008    Rueda, España

A blend of 60% Verdejo and 40% Viura from Castellana, who consistently produces award-winning white wines.

Taste:  $4.50 Glass:  $9.50

Sertoli Salis “Torre Della Sirena” 2006     Lombardia, Italia

This wine is obtained from the local pink-skinned Rossola and Pignola grapes, oak fermented and bottle aged for 12 months.

Taste:  $6.50 Glass:  $17.00

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VIVA ESPAÑA                                                                             $11.50 FLIGHT

Señorío de Sarría Rosado 2007              Navarra, España

A bright and lively rosé made from the best vineyards of Grenache grapes.

Taste:  $3.00 Glass:  $5.00

San Martin “Señorío de Unx” Crianza 2004                       Navarra, España

A blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Grenache with a year spent in American oak barrels.

Taste:  $4.00 Glass:  $7.50

Viña Alarba Old Vines Grenache 2007      Calatayud, España

Old vine Grenache from the best vineyards from vines minimum of 50-year-old vines.

Taste:  $4.50 Glass:  $9.00

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LOVELY LOMBARDIANS                                                                              $17.50 FLIGHT

Martilde “Tina” Barbera ORGANIC 2005                   Lombardia, Italia

Barbera made from organic grapes and bottled without filtration.

Taste:  $4.50 Glass:  $9.50

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

Andrea Picchioni “Arfena” Pinot Nero 2007                        Lombardia, Italia

Oltrepò Pavese is a triangle of land in Lombardia that is wedged between Liguria, Emilia-Romamagna & Piemonte. Forming the northern end of the Appennini mountains.

Taste:  $8.50 Glass:  $19.00

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WORLDLY RED BLENDS                                                      $16.00 FLIGHT

Algarve “Cinco Sentidos” Malbec-Cabernet 2004   Mendoza, Argentina

A 50/50 blend of Cabernet and Malbec, hand picked and aged for 12 months in French oak.

Taste:  $5.00 Glass:  $11.50

Marquis Philips “Sarah’s Blend” Red 2007   South Eastern Australia

Blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged in French and American oak, ready to enjoy now and in years to come.

Taste:  $5.00 Glass:  $11.50

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:  $14.50

Posted in Wine Tasting |

Beer Around The World

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Some selections from countries one would not expect to pump out amazing beer.

Yanjing Beer

Pale Lager Beijing Yanjing Beer Group, China ……4.5% ABV

Yanjing Beer is brewed with pure mineral water collected 300 meters beneath the Yanshang Mountain. The official sponsor of 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games.

Taste: $ 1.50 Glass: $ 4.50

Blanche De Chambly

Wit Beer Unibroue Quebec, Canada ……5.0% ABV

Utilizing a Belgian Brewmaster’s expertise in producing beer on lees, this witbier became Unibroue’s first refermented beer

Taste: $ 2.00     Glass: $ 5.50

Hitachino Nest Beer Japanese Classic Ale

English IPA Kiuchi Brewery, Japan ……7.0% ABV

With this rice processing plant turned sake brewery, Mikio Kiuchi inherited the legacy in 1950 only to start brewing beer with the owl logo leading the way in the 90’s.

Taste: $ 3.00 Glass: $ 7.00

St. Amand French Country Ale

Biere de Garde Brasserie Castelain Benifontaine, France ……5.9% ABV

Bière de Garde, or “keeping beer”, is a style of ale traditionally brewed in France. These farmhouse-style beers were usually brewed in the winter and spring, to avoid unpredictable problems with the yeast during the summertime.

Taste: $ 3.50 Glass: $ 7.50

Super Baladin

Belgian Strong Pale Ale Birificio Le Baladin Piozzo, Italy……8.0% ABV

This brewery favorite originated from an old recipe created toward the end of the 9th century following the style of the Belgian abbey beers.

Taste: $ 4.00 Glass: $ 11.00

$ 14.00

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

LOS BLANCOS DE ESPAÑA $11.50 FLIGHT

Gallegas “Destino” Blanco 2007 Galicia, España

Kind of wine you’d enjoy on a hot day in this corner of north-west España. Temperature controlled fermentation – no oak.

Taste: $3.00 Glass: $5.00

Gallegas “Alectum” Albariño 2007 Rias Baixas, España

Albariño – sorta like Italian fave Tocai Friuliano – a naturally “rich” grape and all without oak.

Taste: $5.00 Glass: $11.50

Cherubino “Marques de Caro” 2007 Valencia, España

This wineries’ history begins with five generations of the Valsangiacomo family starting a cantina in Canton Ticino, Switzerland in 1831 then moving to Valencia, Spain in the 1890’s.

Taste: $3.50 Glass: $6.00

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PORTUGESE MIXIN $12.00 FLIGHT

Terras de Alter “Fado” Tinto 2007 Alentejo, Portugal

“Fado” represents the relationship between Portuguese culture and wine. Blending Aragonês, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Trincadera.

Taste: $4.00 Glass: $8.00

Goanvi “Terra Grande” Tinto 2006 Alentejo, Portugal

Trincadeira (60%) and Aragonês (40%). Destemmed, then vinified in stainless steel for 10 days.

Taste: $3.50     Glass: $5.50

Monte Branco “Alento” Tinto 2007 Alentejo, Portugal

Take a basic Portuguese red add Alicante-Bouchet for intense color and Touriga Nacional (famous for Port) for aroma.

Taste: $4.50 Glass: $9.50

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ROSSOS OF THE VENETO $19.50 FLIGHT

Corte Marzago “Vigna la Morara” Bardolino ORGANIC 2008 Veneto, Italia

In the heart of the Bianco di Custoza and Bardolino zonas, sits this former convent that has been lovingly transformed into a wonderful agriturismo and winery.

Taste: $4.50 Glass: $10.00

Vaona “Pegrandi” Valpolicella Ripasso 2006 Veneto, Italia

The best grapes are air dried 45 days. Then passed over the lees of Vaona’s Amarone.

Taste: $6.00 Glass: $15.00

Poggi “Famaloso” Rosso Veronese 2003 Veneto, Italia

In the Amarone style with grapes from the oldest plot, Il Famaloso in the Bardolino zona (classified in 1700 as one of the best sites for vines in the region). Given two months of air drying then fermented on the skins for one month.

Taste: $9.00 Glass: $20.00

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UNEXPECTED REDS $14.50 FLIGHT

Agnes “Cresta del Ghiffi” Bonarda Frizzante 2005 Lombardia, Italia

Most traditional and typical of the local tastes: Late harvest Bonarda from 50 year old vines, finished slightly sparkling.

Taste: $4.50 Glass: $10.00

Picchioni “Sangue di Giuda” 2007 Lombardia, Italia

Regional grapes Croatina, Barbera & Uva Rara (Bonarda) rest over-winter & reawaken to a bubbly finish.

Taste: $5.00 Glass: $11.50

Castello di Gabiano “Il Giardino di Flora” Malvasia 2007 Piemonte, Italia

“The Garden of Flowers” is a tribute to the nymph Flora, idealized by Botticelli in his portrait entitled “La Primavera”.

Taste: $5.00 Glass: $12.50

Posted in Wine Tasting |

Blondes vs. Brunettes

Sunday Beer Tasting in the Cellar 5pm – 10pm

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Who has better taste? Decide for yourself with some of our blonde ales & brown ales.

Moinette Blonde

Belgian Strong Pale Ale Brasserie Dupont, Belgium……8.5% ABV

Ever since its creation in 1955, this beer is considered “the showpiece” of the brewery Dupont on the Belgian market.

Taste: $ Glass: $

Moinette Brune

Belgian Stong Dark Brasserie Dupont, Belgium…… 8.5% ABV

The name Moinette is derived from “moëne”, the ancient French word for swamp, in reference to the area where the brewery grounds are situated.

Taste: $ Glass: $

Green’s Quest Blonde

Belgian Strong Pale Ale/Tripel Green’s Gluten Free Lochristi, Belgium …8.5% ABV

Brewed from millet, sorghum, rice and buckwheat, Green’s beers are suitable for both Vegetarian and Vegan diets. 100% Gluten free.

Taste: $ Glass: $

Maredsous Brune

Strong Dark Ale/Dubbel Duvel Moortgat, Belgium ……8.0% ABV

Each Maredsous ale is brewed in gracious homage to the traditional methods of the Benedictine Monks of Maredsous.

Taste: $ Glass: $

Urthel Hop-It Blonde

Belgian IPA Urthel, Belgium……9.5% ABV

This Belgian was in inspired of the brewmaster’s visit to the American Northwest and is her rendition of an American Craftbrewed IPA.

Taste: $ Glass: $

Scaldis Refermenteé Amber

Belgian Strong Dark Ale Brasserie Dubuisson, Belgium……12.0% ABV

In operation since 1769, the brewery has an appearance of a small chateau, deep in the heart of oak and poplar groves. This particular ale is perfectly suitable for cellaring.

Taste: $ Glass: $

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |