FIRKIN Fort Collins

Today at Cafe Vino we embark on a mission to perpetuate a tradition mounted in the pages of New Belgium history as Firkin Friday, whereupon the last Friday of each month we, the connoisseurs of great beer, meet and consume in it’s entirety a full firkin of beer. Now this isn’t just any ordinary beer. It is always a surprise beer crafted in a very small batch for such occasions. Now, technically, in English tradition, a firkin is a unit of measurement equal to no less than half a kilderkin, of course, which is roughly 72 pints, or 9 imperial gallons… but what we’re concerned about is not the semantics of quantity, or the aesthetics of copping a stark British pose to hand-tap your sideways barrel, it’s about what’s inside the firkin that matters. And that my friends is where the fun is at. We honestly just don’t know what to expect, except that all of it will be gone before the night is up. So get ye jar and let’s get faced! 5:00 sharp laddies and lassies!

Patio Pounder of the Month…

This week at Café Vino you can try a delightful, absolutely poundable, and proportionately remarkable organic wine from southern France called CHATEAU DE LASCAUX Rosé. Farmed with the highest organic methods, this wine has been in the Cavalier family since the 12th century. The vineyards have hillside exposure and a particular type of limestone soil which the locals call Lascaux, hence the name of the domaine. The stony soil, along with the Mediterranean micro-climate (the shape of the hillside protects from the cold Mistral and Tramontane winds) gives the wines of this area finesse and complexity, and allows the reds greater aging potential than Syrah-based wines grown in other Languedoc soils. The garrigue surrounding the vineyards is reflected in the aromas of the wine: laurel, spice, mint, cinnamon, and réglisse. This rosé is a blend of 30% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, and 10% Cinsault.

Try it with one of these perfect pairings:

Lamb Sliders on fresh made buns with mint aioli, fresh cucumbers and tomato

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with grilled flatbread and sesame crisps

Or just about any other tapas dish on the menu since this wine is very flexible! Ask your server for advice is you’re unsure (Casey or Hillary recommended).

Enjoy!

A Summer in Italy Wine Tasting Wed at 7pm at Café Vino in Fort Collins!

If you have ever traveled to Italy during the summer Months, then you know how hot it can be. How do those stylish Italian stay so cool during those oppressive times? By drinking cool, crisp wines, that's how! This incredible tasting will feature five Italian wines perfect for the dog days of Summer, assured to keep you cool, comfortable and above all, refreshed!

ELVIO TINTERO

MOSCATO D’ASTI SORI GRAMELLA 2009

A single-vineyard Moscato with eighty year-old vines! Organically farmed, this southwest facing plot produces a wine full of intoxicating floral notes and a creamy, delightful finish.

ERNESTO PICOLLO

GAVI 2009

100% Cortese from a 10 acre vineyard located in the heart of the Gavi DOC, this wine boasts juicy citrus notes with a hint of peaches and fresh flowers. A perfect summer white!

FATTORIA IL PALAGIO

VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2008

Vernaccia is the lovely white from Tuscany, offering a medium-bodied palate full of lemon, green apple and pear notes. This wine comes from a historic estate owned by the Zonin family.

FATTORIA IL PALAGIO

ROSSO TOSCANA 2008

A super-tuscan style blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is soft, juicy and delicious, full of ripe cherry fruits and a touch of blackberry. Cheers!

RIVETTO

BARBERA D’ALBA ‘NEMES’ 2008

Third-generation winemakers Allesandro and Enrico Rivetto craft this gorgeous, cherry infused northern Italian red. Full-bodied but soft on the tannins, and perfect with anything off the grill.

CALL 970-212-3399 for more info!

RSVPs welcome but not required.