A Crisp Sauv Blanc.
My wife and I were hanging out in downtown South Pasadena, as we often do on the weekend, and our trek took us past the WineStyles store. I hadn’t been inside yet, so I convinced my wife that I needed to go in and check it out (research purposes of course).
WineStyles is an interesting wine store concept. It’s a national chain that started in 2002 with 140 franchises across the country. They attempt to de-mystify the process of picking out the right bottle of wine by organizing wine choices into style categories instead of varietal or region. These categories include Crisp, Silky, Rich and Bubbly for whites and Fruity, Mellow, Bold and Nectar for reds.
When I read about the concept a year or two ago, I furled my brow- while I appreciate the demystification of and the removal of pretensiousness from the process, I wondered if this might be too limiting. I had walked into a store shortly after reading about it, and I remember thinking that it somehow felt a bit like a chain; harsh lighting, cookie-cutter displays and not much selection. When I walked into the South Pasadena store Sunday afternoon, I had a different experience altogether.
It’s worth mentioning that downtown South Pasadena has a rich history; it’s been around for a hundred years or so, and the city’s done a nice job modernizing the area, yet preserving the architecture and charm from the days of yore.
The storefront of the WineStyles store is no exception, with the wood and metal bench in front and the oval shaped glass window in the door. Inside, the lighting is warm and welcoming, and the wine shelves inviting. I met Kathy Bergstrom, the owner of the South Pasadena store, who’s obviously worked hard to create the warm, welcome vibe. She’s also put together a great selection of wines from cool, niche wineries from around the world.
After 15 minutes of wine chat, my wife gave me the look, and I wrapped it up. But not before I grabbed some wine to drink with my Sunday night dinner: a bottle of 2007 Cartildge & Browne Dancing Crow Vineyard Sauvingon Blanc.
The Napa-based Cartlidge and Browne folks are known for their food-friendly, approachable ‘varietal correct’ wines, and this Sauv Blanc is no exception.
It has a nice light yellow hue, and a tropical citrusy nose. A nice big sip and my mouth was full of bright, juicy, refreshing grapefruit and melon. It was good for my quickly-whipped-up tuna salad, but would also be fantastic for a summer barbecue; cold and refreshing.
Aside from enjoying the wine (as I usually do), I enjoyed my stop at the South Pasadena WineStyles store. Kathy mentioned that their Friday night tastings include live music. I told her I’d be back…
*Photo courtesy of Laurie Allee of the Glimpes of South Pasadena blog.
