Perfect wine pairings for Halloween treats
This 2011 Milbrandt Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a knock-it-out-of-the-park pairing with the toasty characteristics of Almond Joy. Viki Eierdam
All Hallows’ Eve…a time of costumes, carved jack-o’-lanterns, apple bobbing and trick-or-treating. It all fades save for the candy haul. Rather than let the little ones have all the fun, why not indulge in an adult tasting; cork screw required.
Bill Hayes, category wine manager at BevMo! has much to say about wine and candy pairings.
Candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with zinfandel. Why? A berry fruit character and enough tannin to cut through the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter. Suggestions: Michael David Phillips 7 Deadly Zins $12.99 –or- Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel $7.99. “Not only are these wines fantastic, they will also follow the Halloween theme,” Hayes said.
Candy: Peanut M&M’s with pinot noir. Why? Softer, rounder, low tannin. Suggestions: A to Z Pinot Noir under $16 –or- Wild Horse Central Coast Pinot Noir $15.99. “Both of these wines are driven by purity and fruit. They have velvety tannins and are quite round on the palate,” Hayes said.
Candy: Snickers with Tawny Port. Why? Due to the caramel characteristic and its rich and full taste. Suggestion: Dow’s Tawny Port $12.99. Hayes said, “Just stay with this port. No need to get too elaborate with a 10 year tawny. The nutty character will play nicely with the caramel in a Snickers.”
Candy: Hershey Bars, Kit Kat and Twix go best with cabernet sauvignons. Why? It is a classic mix of chocolate and tannin in the cabernet. Suggestions: Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon $10.99 –or – J Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon $12.99. Hayes said, “Chocolate and cabernet really play well. Make sure you look for a wine with layers of red and dark fruits.”
Jam Cellars 2015 Butter Chardonnay is a perfect match for candy corn; enough acid to keep the combination from being cloying with the matching creamy textures to complement each component. Viki Eierdam
Candy: Candy Corn with late harvest riesling. Hayes said that this riesling style is becoming rather spendy. I found the Jam Cellars Butter Chardonnay ($14.99) to be the perfect substitute; enough acid to keep the combination from being cloying with the matching creamy textures to complement each component.
Candy: Skittles and Starburst with riesling. Why? Fruity and sweet tasting notes complement one another. Suggestion: Pacific Rim Riesling $11.95.
Candy: Sour Patch Kids with moscato. Why? It’s fruity, fresh and bright, which counter-balances the sour patch kids. Suggestion: Castello del Poggio Moscato $14.99–or- Primo Amore Moscato $12.99. “The rule of thumb for sweet wine is that the wine should be sweeter than the dessert. You can definitely use Moscato for this,” Hayes said.
Candy: Smarties with prosecco. Why? Slightly sweet, very bright, fruity, fresh, slight lemon/lime flavor. Suggestion: Nino Franco $20.99 –or- Mionetto Prosecco Brut $13.99. Hayes said, “The freshness and hints of lemon and citrus will work well with the sweetness of the smarties.”
With all the choices available, Hayes still has his go-to favorite. “I love zinfandel and cabernet when it comes to chocolate. Everyone loves barbecue and zin or a steak and cab but, have a rich chocolate bar and cabernet, both wine and food will taste different. Big style zinfandel and rich chocolate will shock everyone.”
Happy Hallows’ Eve to young and old. Cheers!
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Viki
I am a Clark County native. I am Level 2 WSET (wine and spirit education trust)-certified and enjoy pairing wine with my passion for travel and fondness of food. My most prized possessions are the memories of places I've been with my husband, the chance encounters we've been blessed to have along the way and my carry-on bag. I can often be seen around town and in tasting rooms with our two beautiful, double-Merle Australian shepherds, Challenge and Baby Girl.