Check, Please! Bay Area Wine Tips: California Wine Regions

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. I will also share some wine tips with each episode.

Check, Please! Bay Area guests drank the following wines on the set of episode 801:

2011 Chappellet Chenin Blanc, Napa Valley, California -- Chenin Blanc is an under-appreciated grape variety but one with world-class status in the Loire Valley of France. This unique wine -- from a Napa Valley icon -- is crafted in an appealing off-dry style with floral aromas that entice and succulent fruit flavors that satisfy. A white to pair with spicy dishes, fresh salads, and light cheeses.

2009 Chappellet “Pritchard Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley -- Wine lovers line up to get a bottle of this intense, complex red hailing from one of Napa’s best spots, Pritchard Hill, and from one of Napa’s classic producers, Chappellet. With deep, dark berry fruit and hints of toasty oak, this rich red is an age-worthy beauty. Drink now if you dare, just make sure to decant it for several hours and serve alongside a rare filet mignon for a slice of culinary heaven.

2011 Banfi “San Angelo” Pinot Grigio, Toscana -- What’s not to like about a crisp, juicy Pinot Grigio? It’s usually a simple, crowd-pleasing white. However, this version from one of Italy’s most well-regarded producers, Banfi, offers more. Zesty, citrus-scented and refreshing, it’s an affordable white to stock up on for summer sipping.

2010 Maquis Carmenere, Colchagua, Chile -- Carmenere is a red grape variety with roots in Bordeaux, France but has reached great heights in Chile. Spicy and supple, its dark-fruit aromas with a tinge of fresh herbs make it a wine that intrigues (and pleases). Pair up with chicken in mushroom sauce or grilled vegetables.