I’ll admit that wine isn’t my first thought on Halloween. Ghost, goblins, haunted houses and candy are far more likely to spring to mind. When it comes to beverages, pumpkin spiced lattes and lagers may be in keeping with the theme but they aren’t strong enough to fortify against the onslaught of trick-or-treaters.
So wine it is. I am not looking for any fancy flavoured stuff, just a good glass to sip on that somehow marks the parade of fiendish costumes. I am fine with kitschy labels as long as the juice inside the bottle delivers. It’s amazing what you can find when you start looking for ghoulish connections.
Jidvei, Fetească Albă • Sec, Romania • $11.99
The scariest thing about this wine is trying to pronounce the name. The price, on the other hand is very comforting, especially if you are throwing a large Halloween soiree. Hailing from Transylvania (yes, where Dracula is from), it will add some extra atmosphere to the evening. This white is crafted from the indigenous Fetească Albă grape, which at over 2.000 years old means it is even more ancient than our illustrious vampire friend. Dry, clean and citrusy with loads of fresh pear, it also makes for a much more agreeable party guest.
2013 Devil’s Rock, Riesling • Pfalz, Germany • $11.49
The first Halloween I can remember, my older brothers dressed up like devils and scared the bejesus out of me. A nasty trick… But this wine is a treat. Beautifully aromatic, it offers peachy aromas and flavours of crisp apple and grapefruit. A kiss of sugar is balanced by vibrant acidity. And, at a relatively low alcohol content of 11.5 per cent, it’ll allow you to have a glass or two without compromising your ability to get up and do the monster mash.
2013 Monster Vineyards, Merlot • Okanagan Valley, BC VQA • $17.29
Speaking of monsters, this bottle is covered in them and apparently it glows in the dark too. It will fit right in with the creepy décor without the wine itself frightening off your friends. Fruity and plush, this Merlot is all about cocoa and cherries. Spooky on the outside; soft, medium-bodied and easy drinking on the inside.
2013 Delas, ‘Saint-Esprit’ • Côtes-du-Rhône AOC, France • $19.29
If you were brought up religious you may recall that Halloween is the night before All Hallows’ Day or All Saints Day. The Delas Saint-Esprit pays reference to the saint of spirits and there are always plenty of those floating around on Halloween. Chocolate, spice and licorice flavours abound in this delicious rib-stickin’ red. It tastes way better than anything you’d be offered on the trick or treating circuit.
2012 Ghost Pines, Red Blend • California • $22.49
The ghostly pines on the label evoke a macabre autumn eve. And the blend is a witch’s brew of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, Syrah and Petit Verdot along with some other ‘secret ingredient’ grapes. Rich and full, it will offer comfort on a chilly eerie night with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry pie offset by vanilla and coffee notes.
