Our annual wine and Halloween candy pairing is back, but with a sweet twist. We have been wanting to collaborate with Merrill Mischief since they opened. This one’s gonna be scary (in a tasty, good way)!
We will kick this pairing off at our Friday Night Wine Tasting on Friday, October 22 and continue it every day during regular business hours through Saturday, October 30. Come once, come twice, come every day!!
Here’s what we’re pairing:
Phantom Chardonnay/Pumpkin-Vanilla Swirl Cheesecake Fudge — The pumpkin and cheesecake flavors of the fudge balance each other creating the perfect bite, like pumpkin pie with whipped cream! Chardonnay pairs well with buttery foods and vanilla flavors and will soften the pure sugar flavors the candy can sometimes have.
Phantom Chardonnay 2019 (Clarksburg, CA) entices with its rich layers. Green apple and pear transform into spicy flavors of freshly baked apple pie, while barrel fermentation imparts a creamy, luscious mouthfeel. $22.99/$8
Sinister Hand GSM Red Blend/Caramel, Chocolate, Peanut Fudge — A layer of peanuts and caramel, sandwiched between two rich layers of chocolate fudge, topped off with more buttery caramel. A Snickers bar in fudge form. It takes a special wine to pair with the strong flavors of caramel, peanuts and milk chocolate. The combination of chocolate and caramel requires a robust and flavorful wine that is bold enough to stand up to the the rich flavors found in a rich chocolate, and will complement the saltiness of the nuts. A red blend should do the trick.
The Owen Roe Sinister Hand GSM 2019 (Columbia Valley, WA) displays spicy, dark, and savory characteristics. The exuberant nose has raspberry aromas with a hint of vanilla, while the lively palate has a soft juicy texture and a well-balanced acidity. Chewy tannins, black cherry, and a hint of toasty French oak round out the vibrant finish. Blend: 57% Syrah, 18% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, 5% White Rhone, 2% Cinsault. $33.99/$11
Klinker Brick Old Ghost Zinfandel/Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Fudge — Creamy, smooth batches of rich chocolate and peanut butter fudge are swirled together to create this popular flavor. Two favorites in one incredible fudge! Peanut butter pairs well with a dark jammy red. The dark fruit flavors of the wine should complement the nuttiness of the peanut butter, while notes of cocoa will pair well with the chocolate.
KB Old Ghost Zinfandel 2018 (Lodi, CA) represents the finest Old Vine Zin that Klinker Brick produces each year. The name was derived from the Tule Fog rising from the ground during the winter in Lodi, which keeps the vineyards moist and cool, and also bestows a ghostly appearance in the vineyard. The wine has an intense nose of spice, chocolate and botanicals lead to full-bodied flavors of juicy pomegranate and ripe cherry layered with dried herbs. The wine is bursting with acidity and concentrated notes of dark berries and tobacco. Layers of complexity lead to a core of medium tannins with a long, richly textured finish. Regularly $42, now $38.99/$13
The cost of the pairing is $12.00 per person and includes a 2oz pour of each wine and piece of fudge. We will donate $1.00 from each tasting purchased to Southmountain Children and Family Services. Tasting will be tableside; c’mon in when you’re ready. The wines are all available by the bottle and glass, as well. AND St. Lucio’s will have all your savory cheese needs (Thurs-Sat)!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!