Halloween Pairings
Trick of the Treat
TASTE - October 15, 2009
With guests goblin' up bat cookies, which wine would a wicked witch want? The trick for Halloween treats is not bedeviling your guests' palates. With sweets everywhere, that's not easy; but here's how to do it.
The first rule of wine wizardry is: "don't serve dry wines with sweet foods." Their sugars make the acidity of dry white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, stand out too much. They'll taste thin and mean. Instead serve rich, nutty whites like Viognier or oaky Chardonnay, or sweet whites like Riesling. Stay away from Pinot Noir and other light reds for the same reasons. Go with rich, soft reds like Zinfandel.
For scary cookies smothered in butter cream icing, think young (10-year) Tawny Ports. Chill them or serve with ice and a little soda for a refreshing grog. Their caramel-like taste and hints of fruit (orange mostly) are perfect foils; sweet enough not to be overwhelmed. For chocolate frosting, the spicy, fruity, sweet flavors of Ruby Ports or late bottle Vintage Ports go famously.
The profusion of tastes found in candy bars makes pairing especially difficult. A safe bet for all candy bars, however, are Rutherglen Muscats or Tawny Ports from Australia because they have a deep, almost smoky, sweet caramel and blackberry flavor powerful enough to stand up, even to peanut butter. Yet they have enough acidity to not taste too sweet.
Here are a few more fun wine pairings with Halloween treats that are sure to give you and your guests lots to talk about.
Caramel Apples
Dessert wines such as Sauternes from France, or Far Niente Dolce from Napa, or late harvest Rieslings from Germany or Austria are great. These wines don't have brandy added like the ports, and have a honeyed, apple, peach flavor that is a good match in both sweetness and acidity for the apples.
Popcorn Balls
A moderately sweet Chenin Blanc like a Vouvray Sec Tendre (tenderly dry) or Mulderbosch Steen Op Hout from South Africa. The Chenin Blancs will have a perfect mix of nutty and crisp flavors, and just enough sweetness to go perfectly. Short of a Chenin Blanc, try an Oregon Pinot Gris that is on the richer, sweeter side.
Butterscotch Brownies
An interesting option is a sweet Spanish Oloroso Sherry, which will have flavors of caramel, dark coffee and cocoa that are wonderful with chocolate. These wines aren't super sweet, but sweet enough to work.
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