Wicked Wines to Toast All Hallow’s Eve

The night sky is pitch black, stars covered in darkness, and the pale glow from the moon fades in and out as menacing clouds drift slowly by.  The only light comes from a distant street lamp, its flourescent beam, casting long shadows from unknown souls scampering away from its forced glare.

An icy wind howls by the windows, picking up the thick, gnarled branches of the large tree outside your front door, and scratching them along the sides of your home. Something moving upstairs creeks the floorboards — wait, the kids are out trick or treating.  Aren’t you alone in the house? Noticing the porch light has gone off, you move to turn it on, but as you approach the frosted window of your front door, you see the cloaked silhouette of someone you don’t know.  You reach for the nearest object, ready to pounce.  The wind whistles sharply, the street lamp flickers menacingly.  Putting your hand on the door knob, you yank it open, hoping the element of surprise will be yours.

“Trick or treat!!” Shout miniature goblins and ghouls, and you reach into the plastic witches cauldron you grabbed, awarding these creatures of the night with handfuls of candy.

Wasn’t that fun!? Did we scare you?

Sure, you knew you were in the comfort of your own internet, but did you find yourself gripping your tablet just a little bit tighter?  C’mon, be honest. Because that’s what Halloween is all about, allowing yourself to get swept up in the silly antics of the evening. Sure, no 4 foot vampire is going to scare the bejeezus out of you (unless they’re jacked on sugar), but why not buy-in to the night’s festivities and exchange the sometimes mundane routine of grown up world for the fun and frivolity of fantasy land?

And that’s where these wines come in: spooky labels, catchy names, and so affordably priced, that if you happen to be hosting the Great Pumpkin and Headless Horseman for dinner, you’ll have plenty to go around.

Charles Smith, “The Velvet Devil” Merlot, Washington, USA 2011
$19.42
A smooth and somewhat full bodied Merlot that’s become super popular over the years.  It’s fun design and crowd pleasing personality makes it perfect for creepy-crawly parties.

Concha Y Toro “Casillero del Diablo” Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, 2011
$12.95 LCBO 278416
With a name that translates to Cellar of the Devil, you know this is the real spooky deal.  Rich and plump with dark berries and spice, this is party friendly, also available in 1500 ml bottles, to quench the thirst of the costumed masses.

E&J Gallo “Apothic Red” Blend, California, USA, 2010
$15.95 LCBO 234369
The red and black label is elegantly Gothic, as if a wicked magician created it.  The blood red wine would be perfect served in goblets at your next ouji board gathering or séance.

Small Gully Mr. Black’s Concoction Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia 2008
$24.95 Vintages 222059
A deep, rich and mature red, this wine packs a wallop with almost 16% alcohol — ideal for hypnotising the innocents.

Wolftrap White, Western Cape, South Africa, 2011
$13.95 LCBO 292532
Aromatic blend of Viognier, Chenin Blanc & Grenache Blanc, this is a great pick to serve alongside ghoulish hors d’oeuvres and comes at a price point that will allow you to keep it flowing.

Gypsy White VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON 2011
$11.95 LCBO 215053
A blend of Chardonnay & Gewurtztraminer this wine is priced to sell. An easy sipper for cocktail parties, this may become your Haunted House Wine.