Wine of the Week: Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Malbec '16

With winter parties kicking into full swing, "crowd pleaser" wines have broad appeal. One such effort is the Concha y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Malbec '16 ($17), with its expressive, tasty red-berry fruit (with a touch of plum) and just-right tannins and acidity. Judicious oak helps make for a seriously smooth finish. It's rare to come across a malbec with this much harmony, not to mention one from such a large winery with this kind of distinctiveness. That makes it more versatile than most at the table, with the usual roasted meat and veggies augmented by burgers, brats, pizza and pasta with hearty sauces as suitable accompaniments.

Available at Rite Liquor, Kowalski's, Total, Liquor Barrel (New Brighton), Southside, Liberty Village and others.