Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 3: Episode 3 (#303)

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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.

Wines of the Week: KQED Wine Club

From the KQED Wine Club come our selections poured on this week's show. Join the club!

2006 A to Z Oregon Riesling, Oregon
A to Z is well known for producing affordable wines that showcase the uniqueness of Oregon. This Riesling is crisp, bright, and food-friendly. Grab some Thai take-out or grill a piece of fresh fish and enjoy.

What to Sip: Capannina Ristorante
This bustling spot on Union Street vibrates with energy. Fueling the fun is a wine list that focuses on Italian selections with a handful of California bottles for good measure. With a group and don't want to spend a fortune on vino? Order a bottle of the crowd-pleasing Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio ($36). This light white hails from Tuscany and is ideal with antipasto. Another interesting white to try is Arancio Grillo from Sicily ($32). With aromas of ripe fruit and toasted nuts, it's a wine to handle rich pastas or fish. You can spend hundreds to sip a top red from Brunello di Montalcinos to Super Tuscans like Ornellaia, but you can also swirl the elegant Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico or earthy Valpolicella Ripasso for under $50. Both wines will complement meat dishes, cheeses, and red sauces while inspiring great conversation.