Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 10 (210)

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My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I’m the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. Also, in my "What to Sip" suggestions, I choose one restaurant from each show and offer tips for selecting libations to enjoy with your meal.

Wine of the Week:

2004 Te Kairanga, Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand $18
One of the hottest spots these days for world-class wine is New Zealand. Known for its signature white, Sauvignon Blanc, it’s also the place to look for exciting red wines made from Pinot Noir grapes. A tremendous value (hey, under $20 is a steal for Pinot Noir), the Te Kairanga hails from the historic region of Martinborough on New Zealand’s North Island. Dusty, earthy aromas mix it up with dark cherry fruit and silky texture. Delicious.

What to Sip: Sociale

Sociale is the sort of spot you’d stumble upon wandering the Italian countryside. Hearty yet chic food is complemented by a well-chosen wine list. Kick off your meal with a bottle of northern Italian sparkling wine named Ca'del Bosco Franciacorta ($60). Zesty and complex, this is fun fizz. After a bit of bubbly, it’s time to explore the hidden vinous treasures on the uniquely-organized wine list. For something "sottile ma sostanzioso" (subtle but substantial), try the elegant white, Pieropan Soave Classico ($51). You can select "rotondo e robusto" (round and robust) wines or "corragioso e competitivo" (courageous and competitive) reds, including a well-priced powerhouse southern Italian red named Le Querce Aglianico del Vulture ($30).