Classy AF Wine and Halloween-Candy Pairings
If you're knee-deep in Reese's Cups, you might as well know what wine to drink them with.
We've come up with the perfect wine pairings to complement your compulsory October sugar high, courtesy of Paul Mekis (wine director for Rosewood Hotels and Resorts), Sommelier Richard Breitkreutz (corporate beverage director for BR Guest Hospitality), and Megan Robinson (product developer for ONEHOPE wines). *Gulps down pinot noir while eating all the fun-size candy while watching Scream*
Breitzkreutz recommends pairing Nerds with a demi-sec champagne (i.e. a sweet champagne.) "The fruity flavors get a boost with some bubbles," he says. That's all we needed to hear.
Recommended wines: Charles Heidsieck Vintage Brut 2000 or Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne 2006
"This candy will go nicely with a wine that has lime, lemon, and grapefruit flavors—with an acidity that explodes in your mouth like pop rocks do," says Mekis. Or you could go the Urban Myths route, says Breitkreutz. "Remember drinking soda with these when you were a kid and they would explode in your mouth? Drink anything that is sparkling and beware."
Recommended wine: Federspiel Mühlpoint Grüner Veltliner 2013
A Pinot Noir will round out Red Vines' strawberry flavors, according to Robinson. (And if you're tempted, we give you total permission to drink wine through the straw because why not?)
Recommended wine: ONEHOPE Pinot Noir
For this one, you'll want either bubbles (like a sweet prosecco) or something with ripe, fruity flavors that will match the somewhat chalky finish of the candy. In other words? Drink something to mask how gross these become the more you eat them. (Sorry candy necklace devotees.)
Recommended wine: Ruffino Prosecco or Chablis Jean-Marc Brocard Vau de Vey Chardonnay White 2013
You could go two ways with Almond Joy: Breitzkreutz recommends a sweet Oloroso Sherry, while Mekis recommends a Tempranillo wine—both popularized in Spain. The sherry has nutty flavors to match the Almond Joy, while the Tempranillo features red berries and some spice to balance out the sweet candy.
Recommended wines: Emilio Lustau Solera Reserva Don Nuno Dry Oloroso Sherry or Bodegas Ramirez de La Piscina Reserva 2008
A Granache Blanc typically features melon and peach flavors that pair well with caramel apples, says Mekis.
Recommended wines: Curran Grenache Blanc 2011
As for candy apples, Breitkreutz recommends a late harvest Riesling. "The great acid and freshness of the Riesling will keep the apple flavor going."
Recommended wines: Hogue Riesling Late Harvest 2013
The berry flavor of Blow Pops will work well with either Pinot Noir Rose (as Mekis recommends) or a sparkling red Lambrusco (as Breitkreutz recommends). All feature berry flavors, meaning they all work well together. Score.
Recommended wines: Antica "Angelica" Terra Pinot Noir Rose 2012 or Carafoli Lambrusco Toccacielo 2012
Kit Kats pair well with this red wine because it isn't too overpowering, says Mekis. You want something that's a little complex—smoky or spicy.
Recommended wine: Vincent Girardin Les Champans Pinot Noir 2011
Breitkreutz recommends "something fun and sweet and domestic, like a late harvest Vidal Blanc from the Finger Lakes. This is more about matching attitudes!" Translation? A chill candy deserves a chill drink.
Recommended wines: Hunt Country Vineyards Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2013
Candy corn has a slightly syrupy texture that pairs awesomely with a buttery Pinot Grigio because it has a refreshing finish, says Breitkreutz.
Recommended wine: Kim Crawford Favourite Homestead Pinot Gris
Mekis recommends a Zinfadel with a "sweet, jammy blackberry toast flavor that pairs nicely with chocolate and peanut butter." Breitkreutz thinks you could also go with a type of tawny port—which features caramel flavors that meld with the peanut butter and chocolate. We say: win-win-win.
Recommended wines: Turley Zinfadel Old Vine 2013 or Sao Pedro das Aguias Aged 10 Year Tawny Port
Both Robinson and Mekis agree that this is the ideal pairing for serious deliciousness. "The sharp tart flavors of the Skittles will pair nicely with a wine that has a tropical fruit and aroma flavors to match," says Mekis. Basically, bright and fruity goes with bright and fruity. Done and done.
Recommended wines: ONEHOPE Sauvignon Blanc or Seven Sauv Blanc 2014
According to Breitkreutz, "go light, bubbly, and sweet with fruit flavors."
Recommended wines: Cupcake Vineyards Moscato D'Asti
A sparkling red wine is perfect for the fruity Swedish Fish. "Typically this wine is paired with chocolate, but I think the berry flavors in each complement each other," says Breitkreutz. "Plus, the light bubbles of the red dessert wine will help keep the fish from sticking to your teeth!" Solid point.
Recommended wine: Rosa Regale Spumante 2009
The tart candy pairs well with a fruity wine with high acidity, like a riesling, says Mekis.
Recommended wine: Erben von Beulwitz Kaseler Nies'chen Riseling Spatlese Alte Reben 2011
For the chewy, chocolate candy you'll need something with a bit of spice to balance it out. A sparkling shiraz is "rustic and fun" and a perfect complement, according to Breitkreutz.
Recommended wine: Paringa Sparkling Shiraz 2013
The chocolate-caramel cookie bars are perfect for Vin Santo, an Italian dessert wine that is often eaten with biscotti (that you dip into the drink). "It makes sense to pair it with this nutty, coffee-type of wine," says Mekis. Breitkreutz agrees with a dessert wine, and recommends Amontillado Sherry. "The rich caramel and nuttiness of the sherry go great with the caramel cookie candy."
Recommended wines: Marchesa Antinori Vin Santo del Chianti Classico or Christian Brothers golden sherry wine
"Cabernet and dark chocolate are a classic pairing," says Mekis. "The small peppermint patties surrounded by chocolate will create the optimal match with a cabernet that has a combination of earthy and eucalyptus flavors."
Recommended wine: Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
56 Scary-Simple Halloween Breakfasts
70 Best Halloween Dinner Recipes
37 Halloween Cake Recipes
63 Best Halloween Treats
