TESS: If you are wondering why we haven’t posted in a long time, it’s because since this place opened, we’ve spent most of our weekends there. We even thought to write our blog from there once, but I’m pretty sure AppleCare doesn’t cover keyboard wine spills, even if the wine is a Brunello di Montalcino.
CHRIS: 55 degrees is a wine store in Atwater Village (3111 Glendale Blvd) that specializes in Italian wines. The big attraction, however is the enoteca/tasting room they have set up in the cellar. I’m a big fan of drinking in dark basements, having spent my formative years tossing back cheap beer in them.
TESS: Drinking in a basement allows you the illusion that it isn’t a sunny day that could be better spent doing some bullshit pursuit like gardening or exercise.
CHRIS : They offer two or three flights each week and daily specials. (All reasonably priced between 9-17 bucks) Recent flights have included “Island Hopping” (wines of Sicily and Sardegna), “Beautiful Biancos” (Italian whites outside of the Pinot Grigio box) and “Brunello’s Little Brother” which featured 2 Rosso di Montalcinos and an actual Brunello. Where else in town can you drink Brunello for under 20 bucks? (Unless you’re eating on your agent’s expense account.)
TESS: They also offer 2 cheese plates, one paired for reds and one for whites. We get them both and you should, too. You’ll be there awhile as all the flights look so tasty and interesting you can’t stop at one. They also offer a plate of Italian meats such as prosciutto and salami. You should get one of those, too. It’s just like being in Italy except when you pay you aren’t being raped by the exchange rate. And those “gypsy children” are actually the offspring of hipster Silverlake parents who’ve paid a lot to give them that unwashed bohemian look.
CHRIS : The staff in the enoteca are friendly and wine educated. They take the time to tell you a little about the wine as it’s being served. So you get to drink AND get educated… its just like being in college.
TESS: Except when you leave you’re actually qualified to do something, even if it’s just being able to explain the difference between Montepulciano the grape and Montepulciano the region.
Check out : 55 degrees : 3111 Glendale Blvd, Atwater Village. Store open 11am to 10pm. Tasting Room open 6pm to 10pm.
Tess in Front of 55 degrees…
Tags: 55 degrees, italian wines, tasting rooms, wine shops
