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)!

António F. Bonifácio e Filhos Vinho de Mesa Branco “Lomba da Fazenda”

2008            Torre Vedras, Portugal

A lovely house white wine made from traditional white grapes of Fernão Pires and Boal.

Reuscher-Haart Piesporter Riesling

2008            Mosel, Germany

“Quality in mind. Riesling in the heart.” The winery’s motto is only the start to their great Riesling. Piesport has been growing Riesling since 371 A.D. where it is still the primary grape of the region.

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MULTIFACETED MALVASIA           $17.00 FLIGHT

Martilde “Piume” Malvasia Organic

2006            Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardia, Italia

From a combination of 50-year-old vines and young clones of Malvasia, this bianco is aromatic and delightful.

Palamà “D’Arcangelo”

2008            Puglia, Italia

100% Malvasia Nera made in memory of Arcangelo, the father of the farm.

Castello di Gabiano Malvasia di Casorzo “Il Giardino di Flora”

2007            Piemonte, Italia

“The Garden of Flowers” is a tribute to the nymph Flora, idealized by Botticelli in his portrait of Simonetta Cattaneo (the platonic love of Giuliano di Medici) entitled “La Primavera.”

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VINOS OF THE VENETO           $10.50 FLIGHT

Montelliana “Cornaro” Rosso Vino da Tavola

NV            Veneto, Italia

This cantina was founded in 1957 in the foothills of the Dolomite mountains just northeast of Verona. The vineyards are at good elevation on gravely soil with perfect southern exposure.

Brunelli “Ferve” Corvina

2008            Veneto, Italia

100% Corvina (the “noble” grape of Valpolicella) that has been lightly air-dried before fermentation resulting in a richness of texture and flavor. Aged 12 months in oak and 4 months in the bottle.

Montelliana “Cornaro” Piave Cabernet

2008            Veneto, Italia

Blend of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon brought to you from the vast plains of Piave where grapevines flourish in  sediment-rich soils.

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SOUTH AMERICAN CABERNET           $13.00 FLIGHT

Fantelli Cabernet Sauvignon

2006            Mendoza, Argentina

This wine was produced with cool fermentation to extract the full aromas and characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

Tutunjian “Pacifico Sur” Cabernet-Merlot Reserve

2006            Curicó Valley, Chile

60% Cabernet, 40% Merlot handpicked from Tutunjian’s estate vineyards.

Finca Algarve “Cinco Sentidos” Cabernet Sauvignon

2005            Mendoza, Argentina

“Cinco Sentidos” refers to the winemaker’s belief that wine should be enjoyed with all five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing.

We’re cleaning out the beer stock, one bottle at a time!

Sunday March 14th

5pm – ’til the beer runs out

By-The-Glass

Kasteel (Belgium 11.0% ABV)

Belgian Tripel Rich and full; caramel, raisins, and pear; malty

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Pinkus Organic Hefeweizen (Germany 5.1% ABV)

Hefeweizen Golden cloudy with banana and clove notes

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Abita AndyGator (Abita Springs, LA 8.0% ABV)

Helles Dopplebock Dry finish with slight sweet flavor; fruity

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Dupont Avril (Belgium 3.5% ABV)

Biere de Table/Saison Spicy, hoppy and light; sweet tartness

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Carnegie StarkPorter (Sweden 5.5% ABV)

Baltic Porter Roasted malts & barley; dry fruit & molasses; clean

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Duchy Organic Ale (England 5.0% ABV)

English Bitter Malty & rich; strong barley character; medium body

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Weihenstephaner Vitus (Germany 7.7% ABV)

Weizenbock Spicy, peppery with hints of toasted caramel

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Unibroue Trois Pistoles (Canada 9.0% ABV)

Strong Dark Ale Slightly sweet; roasted malts & dark spices; smooth

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Oro de Milano Riserva Speciale (Italy 8.2% ABV)

Brown/Amber Ale Double malt with spicy flavors and full body

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Lindeman’s Peche Lambic (Belgium 7.7% ABV)

Lambic/Fruit Ale Golden color; crisp orchard peach; aromatic

Welcome to Belgium…land of the monastery and brewery.  Monks have been brewing ale for eternities in support of their respectful village and monastery.  They have been perfecting these recipes for centuries and now we get to enjoy.

“Op uw gezondheid!” (Cheers in Flemish)

Sunday March 7th

5pm sharp

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Maredsous Blonde (abbey)

Belgian Pale Ale ……6.0% ABV

The abbey’s very first beer.  Gently hopped with a slightly dry and soft malty finish.  So refreshing, the monks at the abbey drink this daily at lunch!

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Bornem Tripel (Abbey)

Belgian Tripel ……9.0% ABV

Golden shining and a soft mouthfeel.  This classic abbey triple has a full body and a hoppy dry long finish.  This bottle has the potential to be aged as well!

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Westmalle Tripel (Trappist)

Belgian Tripel ……9.5% ABV

Clear and golden, this Trappist tripel is soft and creamy in the mouth but has a bitter touch carried by the fruity aroma.  Considered the “Mother of all Tripels”.  The current recipe is over 50 years old!

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St. Feuillien Brune (Abbey)

Dubbel ……7.5% ABV

With a dominant liquorice and caramel flavor, this ruby brown ale has a malty and slight bitterness.  The water for the brew is taken from an natural spring under the brewhouse.

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Koningshoeven Quadrupel (Trappist)

Quadrupel ……10.0% ABV

Coming out of the Netherlands, this Trappist monastery has been brewing since 1884.  Brewed with 4 times the amount of malts to obtain the proper starches/sugars, this is a dark and rich ale.

$15 to taste all 5 beers

Laimburg Estate Südtirol Riesling

2008            Alto Adige, Italia

Low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel, followed by five months aging on the less makes this Northern Italian Riesling a very distinct and special wine.

Culley Riesling

2006            Marlborough, New Zealand

Wines grown in cool climate Marlborough develop more minerality and soft palate cleaning acidity. Marlborough is located in the northeast of the South Island.

Fritz Hasselbach “Fritz’s” Riesling

2008            Nackenheim, Germany

From one of Germany’s best winemakers – an everyday go-to Riesling, fresh, character-filled, a great value.

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TO MERLOT WE GO                    $9.50 FLIGHT

Salmon Creek Cellars Merlot

2008            Sonoma, California

Salmon Creek’s winemaker, Bob Stashak describes his wine as “wine for the American table.” Focusing on bringing fruit flavors to balance in harmony with layers of character to pair exceptionally well with food.

Pagor Merlot

2003            Temecula, California

Ed Pagor is known for crafting outstanding red wine from Santa Barbara and Temecula regions, and this Merlot is no exception.

Wyndham Estate “Bin 888” Cabernet Merlot

2002            South Eastern, Australia

George Wyndham is one of the founding fathers of the Australian wine industry having planted Australia’s first commercial Shiraz vineyard in 1830.

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VINHOS TINTOS DE PORTUGAL                            $13.00 FLIGHT

Mouras de Arraiolos “Moira’s Tinto Aveludado”

2006            Arraiolos, Portugal

This “velvety red” is made from some of Portugal’s best varieties: Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah.

Terras de Alter “Fado”

2007            Alentejo, Portugal

Six months of aging behind this blend of Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira make this quintessentially Portuguese.

Quinta do Cardo “Selecçã do Enólogo”

2005            Beira Interior, Portugal

From Portugal’s highest vineyard, planted at 700m of altitude, comes wine with unique character.  The perfect combination of the grape varieties Touriga Nacional and Tinto Roriz .

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DESTINATION: TOSCANA                            $22.50 FLIGHT

Tenute Niccolai “Podere Bellarina” Rosso di Montalcino

2006            Toscana, Italia

Hand-picked Sangiovese from the Podere Bellarina estate, a lovely vineyard just to the south of Montalcino. Aged 6 months in oak.

Abbadia Ardenga Rosso di Montalcino

2007            Toscana, Italia

Made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso grape from the vineyards situated on the hillside of Montalcino facing Siena. Aged 12 months in Slovenian oak casks.

Tenuta di Sticciano “Cantastorie”

2005            Toscana, Italia

From Chianti country, Sticciano brings together a mighty blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 12-16 months in large oak barriques.

From Belgium to England and all the way to the US, these hoppy delights all have a different twist of character.  IBU stands for “international bittering units” which is a measurement of the bitterness of the beer.  Bitterness is caused by the hops used during brewing.  Cheers!

SUNDAY 2/28/10

5pm

$13 to taste all 5 beers

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Poperings Hommel Ale

Belgian IPA ……7.5% ABV

From locally grown Gold and Hallertau hops, this beer has twice the bitterness of other Belgian ales.  Hommel is the local word for “hops” and this village takes pride in growing their own!

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Urthel Hop-It

Belgian IPA ……9.5% ABV

In homage to the American Northwest IPA’s, she used only European hops. Full and heart-warming Belgian style IPA.  It’s very hoppy, spicy and fruity and bottle conditioned.

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Meantime

English IPA ……7.5% ABV

Jam packed with English Fuggles and Goldings, the beer is brewed with as many hops as we can physically get into the copper.

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Avery Dugana (93 I.B.U.)

American Double/Imperial IPA ……8.5% ABV

Out of Boulder, CO, this limited release brew is brewed with Chinook, Centennial, and Columbus hop varieties.  Dank, piney and resinous.  Sound familiar?

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Green Flash Imperial IPA (101 I.B.U.)

American Double/Imperial IPA ……9.4% ABV

San Diego-style IPA, as it has come to be known by many, is super-hoppy, high gravity, yet highly quaffable ale.  Intense hop flavors and aromas from a unique blend of Summit and Nugget hops.

Botter Soave

2008            Veneto, Italia

Soave is a dry white wine made from Garganega, which over the centuries has found an ideal habitat in Veneto, outside of Verona.

Botter Veneto Pinot Bianco

2008            Veneto, Italia

It is a point genetic mutation of Pinot noir. Pinot noir is genetically unstable and will occasionally experience a point mutation in which a vine bears all black fruit except for one cane, which produced white fruit.

Terre da Vino Gavi

2008            Piemonte, Italia

The Cortese grape is a variety that prefers calcareous silty soils that are not too loose and a microclimate that is not too hot to maintain good acidity.

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THE COLORS OF SPAIN           $10.50 FLIGHT

Finca la Estacada “Laman” Blanco

NV            La Mancha, España

Hailing from La Mancha which is Spain’s largest wine-growing region, comes this 100% Airén. Found almost exclusively in Spain, the first recorded mention of Airén was in 1615.

Señorío de Sarrío Rosado

2007            Navarra, España

A bright, lively and DRY rosé made from the best vineyards of Grenache grapes. Made in stainless steel to preserve the fresh fruitiness.

Bodegas Alavesas “Solar de Samaniego” Crianza

2003           Rioja, España

Established in 1972, this bodegas continually produces outstanding Riojas. Tempranillo and Graciano aged for 12 months in American oak.

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Brewing out of Dexter, Michigan, this artisanal mircro-brewery takes pride and focuses on open-fermentation, oak aging, and bottle-conditioning.  Cheers!

Sunday Feb. 21st

5pm – 11pm

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Bam Biere

Farmhouse Ale ……4.5% ABV

An artisan farmhouse ale that is golden, naturally cloudy, bottle conditioned and dry hopped for a perfectly refreshing balance of spicy malts, hops and yeast.

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Bam Noire

Dark Farmhouse Ale ……4.3% ABV

Dark, smooth, delicious. Aromas of worn leather and cool autumn nights. Notes of sweet plum and toasted raisin, hints of coffee and cacao. Lingering tart and refreshing finish.

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La Roja

American Wild Ale ……7.2% ABV

An artisan amber ale brewed in the Flanders tradition. Deep amber with earthy caramel, spice, and sour fruit notes developed through natural barrel aging. Unfiltered, unpasteurized and blended from barrels ranging in age from two to ten months.

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Oro de Calabaza

Biere de Garde ……8.0% ABV

Brewed in the Franco-Belgian tradition of strong golden ales.  Spicy and peppery with a gentle hop bouquet and the beguiling influence of wild yeast.

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Maracaibo Especial

Belgian Strong Dark Ale ……7.5% ABV

A rich brown ale inspired by the enigmatic monastic brews of Belgium, and the mysterious mist shrouded jungles of the tropics. Brewed with real cacao, and spiced with cinnamon and sweet orange peel for a sensual delight.

$14 to taste all 5 beers

Companhia das Quintas “Borlido” Espumante Reserva Rosé

2008            Bairrada, Portugal

Meet the Portuguese version of sparkling wine! A rosé made from Portugal’s most beloved red grapes: Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional.

MVSA de Vallformosa Brut Cava

NV            Penedés, España

Spain’s best bubbly, this dry cava was made using the Traditional Method (same as Champagne) using the Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes.

Althéa Prosecco Vino Spumante Extra Dry

NV            Veneto, Italia

Combines the hillside fruit of Valdobbiadene with the full fizz of a spumante with a kiss of sweetness. Prosecco is an indigenous grape to northern Italy.

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EURO WHITES                      $10.50 FLIGHT

António Lopes Vinho Verde Branco

2008            Minho, Portugal

From the Minho region in the far north of the country, the name Vinho Verde literally means “Green Wine”, referring to its youthful freshness rather than its color.

Lento “Romeo” Bianco

2008            Calabria, Italia

A fresh and fruity blend of Greco with Malvaisa and Trebbiano grown on the Romeo estate of the Lento family’s vineyards.

Domaine de Mirail Colombard

2007            Rhône, France

100% Colombard. The vines are managed with the goal of producing limited quantities of top-quality grapes. Harvesting occurs during the night to allow for long cold skin maceration.

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STYLISH SOUTH AMERICANS                    $11.50 FLIGHT

Tuntunjian “Pacifico Sur” Cabernet Rosé

2007            Curico Valley, Chile

Cabernet Sauvignon separated from its skins. kept at cool temps producing zesty Rosé. The entire vineyard is carefully tended with affection and with respect for the natural surroundings.

Don Rodolfo Pinot Noir

2009            Cafayate Valley, Argentina

100% Pinot Noir created from hand-harvested 12-year-old vines from high altitude vineyards.

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 and aromatics. Named “Saurus” in after dinosaur bones discovered during construction.

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BOLD & BEAUTIFUL BARBERA & BONARDA               $20.50 FLIGH

La Ghersa “Camparó” Barbera d’ Asti

2006            Piemonte, Italia

The grapes used to make this wine average 25 years of age or more, reflecting uncommon depth and complexity.

Fratelli Agnes “Possessione del Console” Oltrepò Pavese Bonarda

2007            Lombardia, Italia

Made from an old Bonarda clone called Pignolo, named for its tiny, pine cone shaped clusters.

Fratelli Agnes “Millennium” Bonarda

2004    Lombardia, Italia

Made from a selection of not just Bonarda but also old Barbera and Pinot vines on the property. The label relates the story of how an ancestral Count Anselmo of Rovescalla paid a debt in 1192 (!) with 600 amphorae of his best wine.

Dry Creek Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

2008            Sonoma County, California

Dry Creek Vineyards has been perfecting Sauvignon Blanc since it was first planted in 1972. This wine was kept in stainless steel to preserve the bright fruit.

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.

Decadenza Vineyards Limited Bottling Chardonnay

2006            Temecula, California

The California wine-grape harvest of 2006 was slightly smaller than normal in quantity, but well above average in quality.

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SPANISH VINOS           $11.50 FLIGHT

Juan de Alzate Rioja Blanco

2008            Rioja, España

Produced from primarily the Viura grape, locally known as Macebo. Wines from Rioja Alavesa  generally produce wines with a fuller body and higher acidity.

Avelino Vegas “Arco de la Vega” Rosado

2008            Castilla y León, España

Made from the best Tempranillo grapes cultivated in the Duero area of Castilla y León.

La Reina “Flamenco” Tempranillo

2007            Toro, España

A modern winery with a 19th century castle, Monte La Reina overlooks the placid fertile plain of the Duero, where the cold winter months and the plentiful hours of sunlight, together with the unique terrior, speak through the wines.

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PRIDE OF PORTUGAL          $12.00 FLIGHT

António F. Bonifácio e Filhos Vinho de Mesa Tinto “Val da Cigana”

2008            Torre Vedras, Portugal

Translated as “Val’s Gypsy” this wine is named for the nearly 100,00 gypsies who live in Portugal.

Montinho São Miguel “Montinho Reserva”

2007            Alentejano, Portugal

Alicante Bouschet, Aragonès and Touriga Nacional aged 4 months in French and American oak. The vineyard planted 97 hectares of cork tree between 1998 and 1999.

Vidigal Vinho Tinto Douro

2005            Douro, Portugal

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Amarela harmoniously woven together from Douro, one of the most highly valued wine regions in Portugal.

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CALIFORNIA SIZED REDS          $22.00 FLIGHT

Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel

2007            Sonoma County, California

This Zinfandel wine combines fruit from the warm Dry Creek Valley and cool Russian River Valley appellations.

Jalama “La Presa” Syrah

2006            Santa Barbara County, California

Planted on an extremely steep south facing slope, a staircase and a good pair of hiking boots provides the only access to the terraced vines. The layers of flavor are big and bold and the finish just goes on and on.

Rancho Arroyo Grande Zinfandel

2007            San Luis Obispo County, 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

Cardeto “Matile” Orvieto

2008    Umbria, Italia

A classic bianco from Orvieto, a fruity and fragrant blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia, Verdello and Drupeggio grapes.

Ciu Ciu “Falerio” dei Colli Ascolani

2008    le Marche, Italia

Blended from 50% Trebbiano, 30% Passerina, and 20% Pecorino grown on hillsides 1,000 feet above the Adriatic Sea.

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.

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CRÉMANT, CHAMPAGNE & CAVA  $20.50 FLIGHT

Cave de Turckheim “Mayerling” Crémant d’Alsace Brut

NV       Alsace, France

Made from the Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois grape varieties, this Crémant is made using the same traditional way as in Champagne. Sugar is added to a second fermentation in the bottle to produce the fine bubbles.

Moutardier “Carte d’Or” Pinot Meunier Brut

NV       Le Brieul, France

This small, quality driven house has been a family run and strictly independent producer since 1921.

Canals Canals Cava Rosat Reserva Brut Nature

NV            Pendes, España

Monastrell, Garnatxa (both intensely flavored red varieties) create a virtual explosion of red fruit and spice flavors.

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MIXING MERLOT IN ITALY  $17.50 FLIGHT

Paolo e Noemia d’Amico “Seinao” Rosso

2008    Lazio, Italia

Sangiovese with a helping of Merlot from the vineyard located just north of Rome close to the Umbria border. Fermented and aged in stainless steel to keep the brightness of the grapes.

Colle Picchioni “Perlaia” Rosso del Lazio

2006    Lazio, Italia

About equal parts each Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet, from one of Italy’s most famous chefs and cookbooks authors, Paolo di Mauro. Brief oak aging.

Rocca di Fabbri Rosso di Montefalco

2006    Umbria, Italia

A hearty Umbrian blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Montepulciano, Merlot and Cabernet. The winery makes its home in a 14^th century fortress.

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THE VALIANT VALPOLICELLA  $25.50 FLIGHT

Degani Valpolicella Classico

2008    Veneto, Italia

Valpolicella wines have three grape varieties in their blend including Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella, each lending a unique characteristic to the wine.

Corte Cariano “Terra Solinas” Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

2007    Veneto, Italia

Unpressed grape skins from Amarone are added to the already blended and fermented Valpolicella.

Degani “La Rosta” Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

2005    Veneto, Italia

Grapes are air-dried for up to 120 days, then crushed and go through a dry low temperature fermentation that can last up to 50 days. Results: WOW.