WORK FRIENDS

1. CRÉMANT

Champagne proper comes from the region of the same name, but there are numerous high-quality sparkling wines produced in the Méthode Champenoise. Crémant, for example, is produced in France, near the Champagne region. My personal favorite is sparkling Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, with this Bollinger-owned house offering a good, cost-effective option.

Domaine Langlois- Château Crémant de Loire, $30

2. MALBEC

Long-beloved and understood by South Americans and used as a blending grape in many of the world’s best Bordeaux for centuries, the rest of us have finally caught on to the wonderful wines made from the Malbec grape. Headed to an office holiday party? Not overboard in acid or tannin but certainly not short on body nor flavor, feel confident a Malbec will please an array of palates.

Terrazas de los Andes, Reserva, $20

3. SHIRAZ

Also known as Syrah, this grape is the jewel of Australian winemaking. Fullbodied, strong and juicy, delivering loads of dark fruit flavor and spice. Mollydooker (Aussie slang for a lefthanded person) is a heavy-hitting producer of the McLaren Vale, and recommends you try the “Mollydooker Shake” when serving their wine: pour a half glass, replace the cap, invert the bottle, shake vigorously, then reopen and pour. This allows the tiny nitrogen bubbles that are used to preserve the wine to escape, and liberates the full flavors to shine.

Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy, $45

No need to impress but, as with your office attire, what you bring will make a statement.