Halloween Candy and Wine Pairing

Filed in archive Food and Wine on October 22, 2006

I know it sounds weird - What kind of wine do you drink while eating your (or your child's) Halloween candy?

But, considering that some of us are busy handing out candy all evening to the kiddies, why not have a little something for the adults as well?

If you are anything like our house, you end up buying way more candy than you need, and ultimately you are the one who eats most of it. So, it makes some sense to have a wine around that will be tastie with your candy.

Here are some wine and candy pairing ideas from No Trick To It: Wine & Candy Pairings:

Port is perhaps the most classic pairing for chocolate, but pour anything in the red-wine family such as Banyuls or Shiraz alongside handfuls of M&M's, pint-sized candy bars, or other chocolate Halloween treats. Baby Ruth, Snickers, or other nutty candy bars in your bag? Select a Sherry or Madeira to complement rich nut flavors.

If caramel apples are your Halloween weakness, pairing choices for the toastiness of caramel and butterscotch might include Muscat or Gewürztraminer. The acidity of white wines should stand up well to the sweetness of caramel. But if you prefer to focus on the flavor of the apple, go for Icewine, Sauternes or a late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc.

Candy corn, another seasonal treat, has a strong buttery, vanilla taste and a creamy texture. Chardonnay pairs well with vanilla flavors, as does Riesling or Sauternes.

What about lollipops, Jujubes and other super-sweet, fruity candies? Pop open a versatile dry or demi-sec style sparkling wine, like Prosecco or Champagne.