Every year, the celebration of Halloween seems to be getting bigger and bigger.
We all know about children's celebrations, trick-or-treating and large costume gatherings at malls, schools and churches. Besides these events for children, adults are holding dress-up parties on their own, some as big as block parties.
As you would probably expect, there is wine at these parties, and there are wineries that will take the hint and direct wines toward those adult partygoers.
One of those producers has a name that goes right along with Halloween - Gnarly Head Wines.
We are all familiar with the portrayal of witches, most of whom are pictured with bumps and warts. These go right along with descriptions of a grape vine, particularly older vines that are often called gnarly vines. Add to that the colors used on the Gnarly Head label - orange and black - and you have a perfect match for Halloween.
Hold on now; that does not mean that the Gnarly Head wines are in any way a “witch's brew” or some trick in the trick or treat. Quite the contrary, these wines are so bright that they will enliven the dullest party, if there is such a thing as a dull Halloween party. The Gnarly Head wines should not be relegated solely to Halloween time.
Gnarly Head 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel ($12.95)To come totally clean, the name Gnarly Head was derived from the descriptions of the older vines the vintners use for their wines.
The Gnarly Head 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel seems to draw its flavor and quality from the very soul of the grape.
This wine has a deep and multileveled raspberry flavor, which is augmented by the flavors of black pepper and mushrooms, and further enhanced by vanilla, ending in a splash of raspberry.
This is a wonderful wine, which, despite its youth, is drinkable after purchasing.
Gnarly Head 2011 Pinot Grigio ($9.99)This pinot grigio wine explores another facet of the pinot grigio grape.
In this offering, citrus is the name of the game. The aroma displays are hints of peach and apricot, but they give way to a delightful and enticing lemony citrus. These aromas carry over to the flavor and end, like all good wines should, in an elegant and lasting finish.
This wine is a treat, and we feel that it is so good that it would be a pity to miss. Party or no party, try it with full-flavored chicken, seafood dishes or even a salad; it is indeed a very friendly wine.
Gnarly Head 2011 Chardonnay ($10.99)Year in and year out, chardonnay is the world's favorite white wine. With that said, one can only imagine the host of chardonnay wines that are on the market.
The Gnarly Head 2011 Chardonnay is not a different chardonnay, nor is it special; it is just a darn good wine.
A pure California native, this wine exhibits a soft buttery feel that heralds the flavor and aroma of peaches, apricots, citrus, and green apple.
As chardonnays go, this one is worth every bit of its bargain price.
Gnarly Head Authentic Red ($14.99) This wine is a big, bold, full-bodied red wine that has an almost black color (that's good for Halloween) and made from, you guessed it, grapes off of gnarled, old zinfandel vines.
There is also merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah blended in this wine to make up what we can only call a red explosion of aroma and flavor.
The aromas of blackberry, cherry and spice seem to leap out of the glass and continue onto the flavor. It does continue with the finish, but it is the least memorable part of the drink.
If you love red wines. definitely seek this one out.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and helps manage ArticlesOnWine.com with his wife, Sheila. He can be reached at frojhe@suddenlink.net.[[In-content Ad]]
