55 Degree Wine

A BIT OF CHARDONNAY                                                                              $18.50 FLIGHT

Franciscan Chardonnay 2007                        Napa Valley, California

This wine was made using natural wild yeast from the vineyard – an artisan technique that adds complexity and texture.

Conway Vineyards “Deep Sea” Chardonnay 2008                   Central Coast, California

Stainless steel and French oak fermented and oak-aged, this Chardonnay has it all: fruitiness, complexity, full-bodied and well-balanced acidity.

Lallier Brut Sélection Blanc, Premier Cru NV                                       Aÿ, Champagne

With five generations producing wines in the historic Champagne town of Aÿ (home to Bollinger & Gosset.) The wines are drawn from 30 acres situated mostly in the Grand Cru of Aÿ with some additional vines in the Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs

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PORTUGUESE VINHOS                                                                             $13.00 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.

Mouras de Arraiolos “Moira’s” Tinto Frutado 2006          Alentejo, Portugal

A velvety and fruity blend of Trincadeira, Alicante Bouchet and Syrah.

Qunita do Conde “Escapada” 2006   Estremadura, Portugal

A careful selection of Portugal’s finest varietals: Touriga Nacional (40%), Touriga Franca (30%), and Tinta Roriz (30%) aged 6-8 months in oak barrels.

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SOUTHERN GEMS                                                                                         $12.00 FLIGHT

Ippolito “Ciro’” Rosso Classico 2006              Calabria, Italia

The oenological (the science of wine making) tradition in Ciro’ is so ancient, it is considered to be one of the oldest wines in the world. 100% Gaglioppo.

Taste:  $4.00 Glass:  $8.00

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

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

Taste:  $4.00 Glass:  $8.00

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

L & S have managed to drag a traditional winery to the future by making it even MORE old school: all organic agriculture & hand harvesting of 30+ year old vines.

Taste:  $4.00 Glass:  $8.00

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DON JACOBO RIOJA                                                                                         $19.00 FLIGHT

Don Jacobo Crianza Rioja 2004                Rioja, España

Traditional Rioja blend:  80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo/Graciano.  Spends 15 months in American oak.

Don Jacobo Reserva Rioja 2002                Rioja, España

The same blend as the Crianza but harvested at slightly higher ripeness, the Reserva  is fermented in steel then aged 15 months in American oak followed by 15 months in bottle.

Don Jacobo Gran Reserva Rioja 1995                Rioja, España

It is fermented in steel then aged 22 months in American oak plus a minimum of four years in bottle. This vintage has aged at the bodega for eleven years and is a marvelous Rioja.

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Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

PERFECT SEAFOOD WHITES                                                                 $13.00 FLIGHT

Alianca Vinho Verde 2008   Vinho Verde, Portugal

Literally means “green wine” and is ready to drink right away.  A classic from the region.

Ciù Ciù Falerio dei Colli Ascolani 2007             le Marche, Italia

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

Colle Picchioni “Donna Paola” Malvasia 2006                    Lazio, Italia

Smooth and perfumed blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (off the skins) and Favorita.

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PUTTING OUT THE FIRE                                                                             $14.00 FLIGHT

Filippi “Vigne della Brà” Soave 2005                          Veneto, Italia

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

Gallegas “Alectum” Albariño 2007    Rias Baixas, España

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

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.

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PIZZA & PASTA REDS                                                                                         $12.00 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.

Allegretti “Castello Svevo” Da Uve Aglianico Rosso 2004           Basilicata, Italia

This 100% Aglianico was aged in steel to preserve the fruit and remains dry with a savory mouth feel.

Trace Wines Merlot 2007           Lake County, California

The winemakers said it best: “Trace is the collaboration efforts of a computer nerd and business exec working within the same winery.”

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STEAK NIGHT REDS                                                                                         $20.00 FLIGHT

Avide “Herea” Nero d’Avola 2007                   Silicia, Italia

Situated in the heart of ancient “Mesopotamium” on the island of Sicilia, Avide produces this rich and dark 100% Nero d’Avola.

Il Falchetto “Bricco Paradiso” Barbera d’Asti Superiore 2006              Piemonte, Italia

If you like Merlot, you’ll love this big, full bodied Barbera. Yes, this wine is richer, fatter, lusher and just plain more bodaciously fun than most any Merlot.

Picchioni “Rosso d’Asia” 2005                     Lombardia, Italia

Could this be missing ingredient from your Sunday afternoon Steak Fest? A huge, rich and velvety blend of Croatina (90%) and Ughetta di Solinga (10%).

Posted in Wine Tasting |

SUNDAY BEER By-The-Glass

Enjoy a glass from our store.  Visit the beer section of 55 Degree for other tasty selections.

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“Beer turns thirst into a beautiful thing.” –Old German Proverb

BEER BY THE GLASS

Hitachino White Ale

White Ale

Kiuchi Brewery, Japan

5.0% ABV

AleSmith Horny Devil Ale

Strong Pale Ale

AleSmith Brewing Company  San Diego, CA

11.0% ABV

Kwak

Strong Pale Ale

Brouwerij Bosteels, Buggenhout, Belgium

8.0% ABV

Delerium Tremens

Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Brouwerij Huyghe, Melle, Belgium

8.5% ABV

Meantime IPA

English India Pale Ale

Meantime Brewing Compay, UK

7.5% ABV

Posted in Sunday Beer Tasting |

PRIDE OF PIEMONTE: BIANCOS                                                                   $15.50 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.

Riofava Roero Arneis 2007      Piemonte, Italia

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

Ballarin Bianco 2006      Piemonte, Italia

Smooth and perfumed blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (off the skins) and Favorita.

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$8.00 MAKE YOU HOLLA                                                                               $9.00 FLIGHT

Gallegas “Destino” Blanco 2007           Galicia, España

Kind of wine you’d enjoy on a hot day in this corner of Northwest España. No oak.

Señorío de Sarrío Rosado 2007          Navarra, España

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

Gallegas “Destino” Tinto 2007           Galicia, España

An instant Spanish favorite of Tempranillo and Grenache.

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DEEP SEA EXPLORING                                                                            $16.50 FLIGHT

Conway Vineyards “Sea Flower” Deep Sea Dry 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.

Rancho Arroyo Grande “Deep Sea” 2005           Central Coast, California

This is a bold and dark blend of 51% Syrah, 46% Mourvèdre and 3% Counoise, hand picked and aged in French oak.

Rancho Arroyo Grande “Deep Sea” Zinfandel 2007           Central Coast, California

This dry-farmed Zinfandel was whole cluster de-stemed, fermented 10 days on the skins and pressed to barrel while still fermenting to retain as much Zinfandel fruit character as possible.  It will be easy to consume over the next 5 years.

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BRIGHT, ZESTY, SPICY                                                                            $21.50 FLIGHT

Cipressi “Macchiarossa” Molise Tintilia 2005                   Molise, Italia

A Molise native, this Tintilia is made from hand harvested grapes that spent 15-18 days in contact with the skins before a year in oak.

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!

Jacuss Tazzelenghe 2003                     Friuli, Italia

Authentically Friulian. This bold and acidic wine loves the rich fare of Northern Italy.

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VIVA LA CAVA                                                                                 $14.00 FLIGHT

Canals Canals Cava Numerada Gran Reserva Brut Nature NV         Pendes, España

Xarel.lo, Macabeu and Parellada are aged on the lees for a minimum of 30 months (much longer than many NV Champagnes from large houses) resulting in a richly complex flavor.

Canals Canals Cava Rosat Reserva Brut Nature                        NV         Pendes, España

Monastrell, Garnatxa (both intensely flavored red varieties) given the same vinification treatment as the wine above but with the added interest of a virtual explosion of red fruit and spice flavors bursting from your flute.

Canals Canals Cava Extra Seleccio Semi Sec                        NV         Pendes, España

Xarel.lo, Macabeu and Parellada picked at high ripeness, fermented dry then aged on the lees for 14 months and finished with a slight sweetness.

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BY THE SEA SHORE                                                                                          $14.00 FLIGHT

Conway Vineyards “Deep Sea” Sauvignon Blanc 2008        Monterey County, California

Deep Sea represents the Conway family’s ongoing search for maritime influenced vineyards of merit and singularity with wines that reflect their origins and the impact of California’s coastal climate.

Conway Vineyards “Deep Sea” Viognier 2008             Central Coast, California

Hand picked Viognier with 5 months of French oak aging that opens with a delicate floral nose and evolves into a medium rich delight.

Conway Vineyards “Deep Sea” Chardonnay 2008              Central Coast, California

Stainless steel and French oak fermented and oak-aged, this Chardonnay has it all: fruitiness, complexity, full-bodied and well-balanced acidity.

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PATAGONIA REDS                                                                                         $14.00 FLIGHT

Familia Schroeder “Saurus” Patagonia Select Pinot Noir 2006     Patagonia, Argentina

Bright fruit from stainless steel fermentation and only 40% of the wine aged for a year in new French & American oak.

Familia Schroeder “Saurus” Patagonia Select Merlot 2005     Patagonia, Argentina

Following a 60/40 rule, this winery loves to use stainless steel to keep the fruit bright with a balance of oak for body & aromatics.

Familia Schroeder “Saurus” Patagonia Select Malbec 2006     Patagonia, Argentina

Using stainless steel for 60% of the fermentation and aging helps to preserve bright fruit in this version of Malbec.

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SANGIOVESE MIXIN’                                                                                         $15.50 FLIGHT

Trambusti Chianti 2008                        Toscana, Italia

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

Monticino Rosso Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore 2007           Emilia-Romagna, Italia

Wines are truly are grown in the vineyard, so who better to do so than two brothers with decades of experience with fruit orchards as well as vineyards?

Tiberini “Podere Le Caggiole” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2004                                   Toscana, Italia

A special clone of Sangiovese, called Prugnolo Gentile, is vinified with a blend of Mammolo and Canaiolo Nero to make softer, more supple and aromatic wines labeled as being from Montepulciano, but not made out of it.

Posted in Wine Tasting |