Drink of the Week: 2007 Farnese Trebbiano, The Terrace View

She smiles and informs me that they get lots of jurors there and plenty of them drink with lunch. She returns with the wine list and asks what I'm looking for, and I helpfully reply, "Something white." She points to the Farnese 2007 Trebbiano, saying its only $5 a glass. "But it's really good." Sold. As I pull off my sweater, I realize that they made me not because of my sour expression and slumped shoulders, but because I was still wearing a yellow juror badge.

The wine is as sunny and crisp as the weather, with notes of lemon and juicy pear. It complements the light Mediterranean-influenced lunch I am enjoying. Everyone around me is smiling. Couples are strolling hand-in-hand through the garden. A man in business dress has kicked off his shoes and is squeezing his toes in the grass. A young lady has laid her textbook across her lap, closed her eyes and turned her face up to the sun. When the check comes, I have plenty of time to spare, and with the reasonably-priced glass of wine, I even manage to keep the bill pretty close to my $12 stipend from the city of St. Louis.

On my way to the restroom before I head back, I notice two of my fellow potential jurors (badges blazing) at the bar enjoying a couple of Schlafly APAs. I take my time on the short walk back, enjoying being downtown, all the bustling activity, the great buildings. I hadn't noticed this morning but the Civil Courts building is really cool, like a Gotham skyscraper out of an old Batman comic book. A friend of mine had been summoned for today as well, but she was excused first thing this morning because she provided proof that she doesn't live in the city anymore. I was jealous that she got out of it, but now I remind myself she doesn't get to live in the city.

Alicia Lohmar is a south-city dweller and accomplished drinker, to which she credits her German ancestry and Catholic upbringing.