Jesse Morreale’s Second Sketch Wine Bar

When Sketch, Jesse Morreale’s wine bar, opened in the Baker neighborhood three weeks ago, I was conflicted about the name. It reminded me of the original Sketch, Morreale’s funky, marginally successful Cherry Creek spot that closed in 2007, and I feared that diners would mistake the new locale with the old. To add to the confusion, the wine bar’s address is 101 Broadway, but the entrance is actually on First Avenue, inside the 1st Avenue Hotel building.

But, if you’re willing to put some effort into locating the new Sketch, your labors will be rewarded.

The sleek space is narrow and cozy, and it feels like it’s been there forever. I love the sparse decor–white walls, white leather chairs, a couple chandeliers, and the rack behind the bar showcasing the wine. The sips list is small (about a dozen each of red and white wine) but well edited, and includes Infinite Monkey Theorem Riesling and Gewurztraminer, Hitching Post Pinot Noir, and Mel Master’s Tortoise Creek Sauvignon Blanc. (Non-wine drinkers will appreciate the beer selection–from PBR to Urthel Hop-it–and the potent white sangria.)

Eats are equally simple: no hot food here, just a salumi bar with cured meats and cheeses from The Truffle, and accompaniments such as figs, grissini, and house-marinated olives. Don’t miss pairing the dark Amarena cherries and El Rey Venezuelan chocolate bars for dessert–or enjoying the duo with the plumy Rutherglen Red.

101 Broadway, 303-484-9305