Lifestyle
Viva il Vino
After the holiday buffets and bubbly, enjoy a more relaxed gathering with friends and one (or more) of our picks for a party.
BY
Todd Klaus, Off the Vine Design & Cellar
PHOTOGRAPHY
Matt Koucerek

People love any reason to get together — book club meetings, neighborhood block parties, business entertaining, bunko, barbecues, housewarmings, birthdays or just stopping by a friend’s house. No matter what the reason, good vino keeps the party alive, complements the food and tells the hostess you care.

I’ve chosen a wine list that will stand out and be appreciated at any gathering you may be attending or hosting. The labels are fun, so they automatically attract attention, and I’ve picked some unique wines that you may not have heard of before.
 
Mr. Black Concoction GSM
What could be better than bringing a wine concoction to a party? The label is reminiscent of a therapeutic tonic used in the old days to treat whatever ailed you. It will definitely be the unique bottle at the party. It’s a fantastic blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvédre that offers intense berry fruit characters typical of ripe fruit. The wine is of great intensity, exhibiting spicy, full flavors with balance and structure. Blends have become an American favorite because they are made with an appropriate balance for instant drinking and meet the majority of tastes.

Meeker Handprint Merlot
If you need a unique bottle that is a true piece of art, this is the one. Arguably one of the prettiest in the wine industry, each bottle is absolutely one-of-a-kind. This merlot is touched by owner Charlie Meeker and winemaker Matt Blankenheim. Their actual handprints colorfully surround this bottle — “from our hands to yours.” This wine makes a nice gift because people love to display the bottle (it’s also available in large format), and the wine itself is a juicy macho merlot with notes of cherries, cinnamon and a nice long finish.
 
Quinta do Feital Auratus
Here is a white wine that most likely will be an unknown when presented at your next party but that will be short-lived. Its fresh, clean and expressive-quality characteristics will make it a favorite. Oddly enough, it is from Portugal and is made from 50 percent Alvarinho and 50 percent Trajadura grapes. (Alvarinho is also known as Albariño, a popular Spanish grape.) It’s an elegant white with good body and will complement any food.

4 Bears Cabernet Sauvignon
The roots of this wine trace back to Kansas City, where winemaker Sean Minor is from, and the name refers to his four children. His entire wine portfolio has delicious, quality wines that exceed expectations but not your budget. From the Napa Valley region, this full-bodied cabernet sauvignon has the classic cabernet cassis and cigar, with good fruit, oak and balanced tannins.
 
Banfi “Rosa Regale” Brachetto d’Acqui Sparkler
This pick is no normal sparkling wine or Champagne — it’s RED. With a uniquely shaped, festive bottle, it comes from Piedmont, Italy. Banfi has been producing amazing wines for years, but if you have not tried this 100-percent Brachetto, give it a shot. This wine is semi-sweet and appealing; it has a raspberry taste with crisp acidity that eventually softens to a round luscious finish. It’s fantastic with chocolate.

Broquel Malbec
Malbec is one of the hottest grape varietals in the United States, considered by some to be the “new merlot.” The wine pleases a majority of palates, it’s always reasonably priced and, coming from Argentina, is consistently of good quality. Presented in a bottle that has a sharp burnt-orange label, it’s extremely classy for a party. Showing the concentration and quality of the grapes, this is an aromatic wine with a good balance of depth and power. On the nose, there are dark fruits and jam with an elegant hint of smoke, vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, it is ample and rich, with a long finish and delicate, soft tannins. Considering quality, how many wines can you buy with a wood box? Broquel comes in six-bottle wood boxes — a great way to present a gift or bring to a party.

Little Black Dress Pinot Grigio
This little number is almost an accessory in its own right. The portfolio started up in 2006, marking the 80th anniversary of the introduction of the “little black dress” and fashionably displays its own distinct label honoring the timeless must-have frock. The wine inside is crisp, refreshing and delightful: “Like a well-dressed woman, a fine wine will never go unnoticed.” Pinot grigio is always a safe selection for a large party and practically priced. If you prefer a red, Little Black Dress makes a great merlot that has rich black cherry aromas complemented with medium body, and vanilla and oak finish.

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2010 issue of Kansas City Homes & Gardens.