Fun Halloween Wines

Filed in archive Holiday Wine on October 19, 2007

Halloween is almost here, and why should the kids have all the fun? I enjoy Halloween as much as my 5-year-old son. With that in mind, I thought I'd put together a list of treats for the moms and dads out there. The kids might not let you raid their candy stash, but you scare up some fun of your own with these wines.

Vampire - These might be the most obvious Halloween wines. I see mentioned on blogs and in magazine articles and you can't deny that the bottle has a very festive look to it. You can choose from Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Rosé, Pinot Grigio, White Zinfandel, or Chardonnay. Under the Dracula label they offer a Zinfandel and a Syrah. The grapes for this wine used be grown on the Transylvanian plateau, but the current vintage is made front California fruit. Just try to drink a glass without saying in your best "Dracula" voice, "I vant... to drink... some vine!"

Casillero del Diablo - In the 19th century, the founder of Concha y Toro, Don Melchor, discovered that his vineyard workers were stealing his wines. Naturally, he would have none of this so he spread the rumor that his deepest, darkest cellar was the Casillero del Diablo (Cellar of the Devil), so that no one would dare go in there. It worked, and a legend was born. You can pick from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, or Carmenere - whichever will pair the best with your Smarties and 3 Musketeers bars.

Zeller Schwarze Katz - Beware of black cats! Unless they're on the wine label, of course. While it might not be terribly spooky, the black cat on the Zeller Schwarze Katz label can add a bit of kitsch to your Halloween spread. This light, easy-to-drink white wine has been around forever. And with its inexpensive price tag it's a great choice for parties.

Toad Hollow Eye of the Toad - This Pinot Noir Rosé might not work so well in a witch's brew, but it would be delightful in your wine glass. The Web site describes it as having "incredible body and weight for a Rosé of Pinot Noir. The color is a beautiful pink with a hint of "Beaujolais blue". This wine has a nose of rose petals and violets."

Owen Roe Sinister Hand - I think this Rhone-style blend would fit in quite well with a Halloween theme. When I saw the label it reminded me of this goofy story about a severed hand that strangled people - a friend told the story at a slumber party when I was in grade school and I could barely sleep that night! The 2006 is a blend of 63% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 7% Mourvedre from several Yakima vineyards in Washinton state. It is described as having "hints of black cherry and toasty smoke from Syrah" which "add depth and richness. This wine expands in the mouth, offering additional lively sweet fruit and spice in a long finish. The tannins are well integrated, present but seamlessly integrated with a refreshing acidity and a dominant sweet fruit flavor.

Leelanau Cellars Witches Brew - This wine might be a bit difficult to come across if you aren't a Michigan resident, but from what I hear it's worth seeking out (or calling in a favor from a friend who lives out that way). From the Web site:"Our secret recipe made with cinnamon, cloves and other natural spices. Makes great sangria in the summer and on those chilly nights, warm it gently in the microwave by the glass or try a "witches brew" by simmering the wine in a crock pot with a cinnamon stick!"

R Winery Evil Cabernet Sauvignon - The label might say "Evil" upside-down and backwards, but this Cab from South Australia is supposed to be quite nice to drink. It's described as having a "big nose, full of plums and berries, both black and red". It also has dense fruit supported by rich oak, and a spicy finish with some tobacco undertones. If you'd prefer a white wine, you could check out the Pure Evil Chardonnay.

Hopefully this short list will give you a few ideas. I'm sure there are several other wines out there that would be great for Halloween. Let me know your favorites!