-Offer expires 3/31/12

-Applicable to new clients only and cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts

-Supplies not included in cleaning

‘Cause I Gotta Have Faith…

We’re celebrating New Belgium Brewery’s sour influenced Lips of Faith Series.

1) Lips of Faith Biere De Mars

Biere de Garde…6.2% ABV….New Belgium Brewing…Fort Collins, CO

With earthy tones of ripe mango and lemon verbena, this bottle conditioned ale reflects the hearty character of the southern Belgian and Northern French countrysides.  Brett, a wild yeast adds to the lemon peel and lemon verbena to yield and citrusy and sour character.

2) Lips of Faith Prickly Passion Saison

Saison/Farmhouse Ale…8.5% ABV….New Belgium Brewing…Fort Collins, CO

Prickly pear and passion fruit mingle together for New Belgium’s return to farmhouse ales.  The combo of passion fruit and prickly pear juices with the tropical esters of a traditionally earthy Saison yeast create a wonderfully broad and reaching mango-like character.

3) Lips of Faith Fresh Hop IPA

American IPA…7.0% ABV; New Belgium Brewing; Fort Collins, CO

A truckload of fresh hops on a midnight run from Washington State to Northern Colorado made it to our kettles just in time.  This is a citrus punch of the green stuff; Amarillo, Centennial, and Cascade hops straight off the vine.  This brazen and deliciously bitter IPA pours deeply golden with the slight haze of a really hoppy beer.  Light and Dry.

4) Lips of Faith Clutch Dark Sour

American Stout…9.5% ABV….New Belgium Brewery…Fort Collins, CO

Clutch is a collaboration with the band from Maryland.  This pleasing, two part potion was brewed with chocolate & black malts for a rich & roasty overtone, then fused with a dry, substratum of sour for a bold and audacious flavor. This beer is blended at 80% stout, 20% dark sour wood beer

5) Lips of Faith Cocoa Mole

Chile Beer…9.0% ABV…New Belgium Brewery…Fort Collins, CO

Say Hola to a spiced up ale full of cocoa and ancho, guajillo, and chipotle peppers.  But don’t fear the heat, because plenty of caramel and chocolate malts bring a smooth, complex flavor to our Cocoa Mole.  Scents of cinnamon when poured will have you saying “Ole for Mole!”

$15 to taste all 5 beers

Shoofly “The Freckle”    Adelaide, Australia   2008

The flavor profile is of pleasant green pear with a hint of minerality, honey, and white pepper… dry and nicely refreshing.

Shoofly “Chook Raffle”     Adelaide, Australia   2008

Like a traditional ‘Chook’ Raffle, there’s always a surprise that makes it taste just a little bit better.

Shoofly “Buzz Cut”         Adelaide, Australia   2008

The Buzz Cut Blend is a lush blend showing juicy, tropical flavors, exotic perfume and a refreshing, structured palate.

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CAVA CAVA CAVA!

Canal Canals Reserva Especial Brut Cava       Penedès, España NV

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.

Canals Canals Extra Seleccio Semi Sec Cava  Penedès, España NV

Considered a young Brunello, this 100% Sangiovese Grosso is aged 12 months in Slovenian oak barrels to unite the imposing structure of Brunello, but with the freshness of a young wine.

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

Here our friends Xarel.lo, Macabeu and Parellada are aged on the lees for a minimum of 30 months.

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QUE BELLA

Gabbas Lillové Cannonau di Sardegna DOC    Sardinia, Italia     2007

Medium garnet. Blackberry, white pepper and clove on the nose. Round, smooth, sweet flavors of blackberry and raspberry. A medium- weight, pleasurable warm wine, ideal for a trattoria.

Poderi Angelini Susumaniello Tarantino       Puglia, Italia    2010

Susumaniello is an old grape varietal from puglia that was on the way to extinction. Poderi Angelini have been able to revitalize and produce a superb example of this wine. A rare wine endeed!

Badde Nigolosu “Tuderi”   Sardinia, Italia      2005

This Sardinian red is light in color, with dry, seductive aromas of cherry, clove and mint. Made from Cannonau (Grenache).

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GLOBE TROTTING THE VINES

Hinojosa Malbec Roble   Mendoza, Argentina   2009

A light to medium bodied Malbec with a good amount of oak and notes of plum and vanilla.

Lirac Richesse des Lauzeraies   Cotes Du Rhone, France   2006

Just a hop, skip and a jump from famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this region was originally known for its rosé but its’ reds show the region’s real terrior.

Ernst Gouws & Co. Shiraz          Stellenbosch, South Africa          2008

The richness and extravagance contains entertaining splashes of white pepper, spice and wild herbs, making this wine opulent and multi-dimensional.

The Beer of the Dragon

In light of this Chinese New Years’ Dragon theme, we have selected some ass kickers for you.  Here are some beers that would please the legend himself.

1) Buffalo Belgian Bitter

Belgian IPA…8.5% ABV; Brouwerij Van den Bossche; Belgium

Good amount of leafy fruity hops, not the noble hops come to expect from a Belgian ale. Finish is mildly bitter with resinous notes and an aftertaste of lemon and pineapples. Overall very citric and tart. Body is rather full, a bit oily and the carbonation is very lively.

2) Shipyard “Smashed Blueberry”

Fruit Beer…9.0% ABV, Shipyard Brewing Co.  Portland, Maine

This beer is a hybrid between a Porter & a Scotch Ale. It has a rich mouth feel and a body of complex intensity. Upfront, there are distinct flavors of coffee & chocolate beautifully accentuated by the aroma of fresh blueberries. The finish features a delicate balance of sweet fruit & dry hops.

3) La Rulles “Cuvee Meilleurs Voeux”

Belgian Dark Ale…7.3% ABV….Brasserie Artisinale de Rulles…Belgium

The brewery of Rulles is a very young brewery, founded in 2000.  This ale brewed for the Christmas season is dark brown with a fruity & malty aroma.  Has a bittersweet long hoppy finish.

4) Hair of the Dog “Doggie Claws 2011”

Hair of the Dog Brewery, Portland, Oregon…Barley Wine…11.5% ABV

Made in the West Coast style. Big malt and hops make this copper colored ale one of their most popular products. Produced in September and October and released in November, this Beer will improve for years to come.

5) Stone Double Bastard

American Strong Ale…11.2% ABV…Stone Brewing Co…San Marcos, CA

Dark ruby brown in color and has a very intense aroma enhanced by the aromatic herbs and spices used. Very subtle bitterness and a dominant & warming, yet harmonious flavor. Think of the Arrogant Bastard on steroids.

$15 to taste all 5 beers

Bodegas Gallegas Destino Tinto Galicia, Españia   NV

A smooth, ultra drinkable red with a bright cherry color.  Spicy yet extremely friendly on the palate!

Albardiales     La Mancha, Españia  2009

100% Tempranillo, this is a cherry red colored wine with intense violet notes and primary aromas reminiscent of wild berries and light vanilla.

Bodegas Bocopa “Alcanta” Merlot      Alicante, Españia   2008

100% Merlot aged 6 months in French and American oak barrels. Bocopa has been producing many outstanding wines from the Mediterranean since 1950.

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TUSCAN FLIGHT OF FANCY

Tiburon Podere le Caggiole Rosso di Montalcino   Toscana, Italia   2009

A bright, ruby red Sangiovese with notes of violet. Pair with braised short ribs or lamb shank.

Tenuta di Sesta Rosso di Montalcino   Toscana, Italia   2008

Considered a young Brunello, this 100% Sangiovese Grosso is aged 12 months in Slovenian oak barrels to unite the imposing structure of Brunello, but with the freshness of a young wine.

Tiberini Vino Nobile di Montepulciano        Toscana, Italia   2007

The flavor profiles include deep red fruits with a hint of the Coscia di Monaca plum grown in the zona, spices, fresh tobacco, leather and earth. Prugnolo Gentile is a special clone of Sangiovese.

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FRENCH DALLIANCE

Fortant de France Merlot                  Vin de Pays, France             2006

The Skalli family is considered the pioneer of Southern French wines for their bold decision to promote the bottling of single-varietal wines.

Fortant de France Cabernet Sauvignon         Vin de Pays, France    2006

Continuous grape-sampling ensured these Cabernet grapes were picks at perfect maturity. The “Fortant” line is a fruit-driven style of winemaking.

Domaine des Bosquets “Le Lieu Dit…”   Gigondas, France         2009

95% Grenache/5% Syrah. Ripe, fresh cherries, spice and floral notes. A very complex wine with a long finish.

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HOUSE OF SAINTS

Ca’ De’ Santi “Vespolina”        Piemonte, Italia   2008

Literally translates to the Winery of the Saints.  This is 100% Vespolina from the hills of Novara.

Ca’ De’ Santi “Fara”   Piemonte, Italia          2006

The paintings on the bottles represent battle scenes from the Bible.  This is a harmonious & spicy blend of Nebbiolo, Bonarda, and Vespolina that sits in oak barrels for 3 years.

Ca’ De’ Santi “Sizzano”   Piemonte, Italia     2004

The winery is named after the ruins of the monastery built in 1008 AD. A blend of 50% Nebbiolo backed up by Bonarda and Vespolina that is aged in oak barrels for 3 years.

Porters & Stouts

1) Carnegie Starkporter

Carlsberg Sverige   Stockholm, Sweden         Baltic Porter……5.5% ABV

Dark roasted malts with a hint of light coffee and cocoa.  This porter carries a mildly sweet and smooth texture with a light-medium body.

2) Firestone “Walker’s Reserve Porter”

American Porter…5.9% ABV…Firestone Walker Brewery…Paso Robles, CA

An elegant dark ale featuring robust flavors of toffee, caramel and bittersweet chocolate. This brew employs five specialty malts, as well as oat and barley flakes, for added complexity and flavor.

3) Port “Santa’s Little Helper”

Russian Imperial Stout…10.0% ABV….Port Brewing…San Marcos, CA

Made from copious amounts of Roasted & Black Barleys, our stout invites you to share a silky black body with hints of freshly pulled espresso from the coffee house, melding with dark bitter sweet chocolate from a Belgian Chocolateer & the ash of a smoldering fire on a dark winters night.

4) Courage Russian Imperial Stout

Russian Imperial Stout; Wells-Young’s Brewing, UK ……10.0% ABV

Brewed once a year, this big stout enjoys a rich, espresso body with pear overtones and an intriguing fresh smoky, fruity finish.  Originally brewed in 1795 for Catherine the Great of Russia.

5) Mikkeller’s Beer Geek Brunch Weasel

American Double/Imperial Stout ……10.9% ABV; Mikkeller Co. Denmark

This imperial Oatmeal stout is brewed with one of the world’s most expensive coffees, made from droppings of weasel-like civetcats. The fussy Southeast Asian animals only eat the best and ripest coffee berries. Enzymes in their digestive system help to break down the bean. Workers collect the bean-containing droppings for Civet or Weasel Coffee. The exceedingly rare Civet Coffee has a strong taste and an even stronger aroma.

Palamà “Brontolo” Salento Bianco      Puglia, Italia   NV                           

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

Pescaja Roero Arneis     Piemonte, Italia  2007                                            

A lovely Roero Arneis.  Bright citrus, green and stone fruit flavors.  

Dario Raccaro Collio Malvasia    Friuli, Italia   2007                                     

An intense Malvasia, with a well balanced acidity and minerallity that you never tire of that intensity. Pair with Thai or Vietnamese take-out, or some classic Charcouterie with grilled Fennel on the side.

              2) IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR                                                              

Caves des Onze Communes Pinot Noir          Vallée D’Aosta, Italia  2010       

From this central valley communal winery comes a classic, cool climate Pinot with Marasca Cherry and spice notes, medium body and enough tannins to pair well with grilled or braised meats or hearty cheeses.

Nada Fiorenzo Barbera D’Alba   Piemonte, Italia   2008                               

Family winery since 1921, this Barbera is big and warm with great elegance and finesse.

Martilde “Gianna” Bonarda Vivace       Oltrepo Pavese, Italia   2007               

100% Organically-grown and slightly fizzy Bonarda from our friends at Martilde. Bottle names and label art inspired by family’s farm animals.

3) AN ITALIAN AND TWO ARGENTINIANS WALK INTO A BAR…

Allegretti “Il Barile” Aglianico del Vulture  Basilicata, Italia   2003              

From the foothills of Mount Vulture, this big and muscular Aglianico is a true example of rich volcanic terroir.  Aged 3 years in oak.

Marton Andina Serrera Malbec  Mendoza, Argentina   20098                        

Spicy, complex and elegant, this wine comes from the best and most exclusive terroir of 90 year old vines.

Marton Andina Serrera Bonarda          Mendoza, Argentina   2008                           

100% Bonarda.  Until surpassed by the mighty Malbec, Bonarda was Argentina’s most widely planted grape.

4) SWEET DREAMS                                                                                   

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

A tiny bit sweeter and more aromatic than Prosecco but not quite as hedonistic as Moscato d’Asti.

Borgo Maragliano “La Caliera” Moscato d’Asti        Piemonte, Italia   2008      

This light and airy Moscato d’Asti has the fragrance of blossoms and the juiciness of lychees and pears on the palate.

Cortesole “Sangue di Giuda” Dolce     Oltrepo Pavese, Italia   NV                       

Barbera, Croatina, Uva Rara blend. Intense, pronounced, fragrant sweet red wine.

]]> http://www.55degreewine.com/jan-16-22nd-rollin-with-the-blanc-os-its-a-family-affair/feed/ 0 http://www.55degreewine.com/jan-18th-grill-em-all-truck-is-here/ http://www.55degreewine.com/jan-18th-grill-em-all-truck-is-here/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:29:36 +0000 andy http://www.55degreewine.com/?p=3056