What the Ghoul Kids are Drinking on Halloween

While your littles (and not-so-young offspring) are dressing like princesses, cartoon characters, and zombies, it’s time to pour a glass of wine…for yourself. You may be on trick-or-treat duty around the neighborhood or have been given the front-door assignment to welcome the hordes of candy-loving children. Whatever job you assume, you need wine…and plenty of it. Let’s face it, you’re one of the Ghoul kids…

This post isn’t about pairing wines with specific Halloween candies. I’m guessing you’ve already read plenty of those! Instead, I have two suggestions that will satisfy your palate throughout the evening. (And, to be fair, each will pair beautifully with any confection your darlings scatter on the floor upon their return.)

Sent to me as samples were two ridiculously affordable wines from Chiliean wine brand Concha Y Toro. The wines of Casillero del Diablo (roughly meaning “Devil’s Cellar”), never cease to impress me with their portfolio of  easy drinking, budget friendly selections. This year the brand marks the occasion of Halloween with a “Devilish Release”, a special edition bottling, and is The Official Wine of Halloween™.

While you’re waiting for the bounty of candy to be brought home, either of these choices will pair with appetizers, pizza, burgers, or more. How about pumpkin soup garnished with spicy pumpkin seeds, a dash of crème fraiche and a pinch of parsley served in individual pumpkin bowls with the Sauvignon Blanc? Perhaps you’d prefer a Ghoulish Goulash with homemade spatzle or egg noodles with the Cabernet? Whatever you decide, you’ll thoroughly enjoy these wines!

Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2016 – Refreshing aromas of granny smith apple, grapefruit, stone fruit and peaches wafted from the glass of this bright, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, I found lip smacking acidity, a creamy mouthfeel, and gentle notes of citrus leading to a satisfying finish. This is a wine I would enjoy any day…not just at Halloween while I await the revelers! Cost is $11.

Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 – The blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Petit Sirah was easy drinking and more flavorful after it had oxidized for about 30 minutes. Aromas of dark, ripe cherries, plums, vanilla, and oak led to a palate profile of more juicy cherries, plums, and plenty of spice. Integrated tannins and food friendly acidity helped balance this wine that boasted plenty of oak on the finish. Cost is $11.

Enjoy the evening with a glass of devilishly delicious Casillero del Diablo wine in hand. You’re guaranteed to be one of the Ghoul kids at Halloween!

Cheers! ~ Cindy