Ghouls just want to have fun, and when they do, they like to crack open a good wine (not just spirits). Try these ten wines to give yourself a treat on October 31.
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, United States
Orange clementine and amber notes with lots of baking spices on this unusual full-bodied chardonnay. Mouth-watering acidity with a good finish. Interesting. Alcohol: 14.9% Sweetness: Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2015 Spectacular Spicy Wine Price: $26.95 Score: 88/100 LCBO: 225375
Australia
Great intensity of flavour! Nice honeyed pea aromas (but it's a bone dry wine) along with apricot notes. Medium-bodied and zippy. Roussanne is one of the lesser-known but fabulous white grapes of the wine world, traditionally grown in the Rhone Valley of France. This interpretation of Roussanne is vibrant and mouth pleasing. Yes please! Alcohol: 13.5% Sweetness: Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2016 Charming Chicken Wine Top Rated White Wine Price: $21.95 Score: 93/100 LCBO: 656710
Chile
Bring on the Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc! The name of this wine translates to lair of the devil. There are delivishly tasty notes of lime, lemon and gooseberry here that will make you want to pitchfork another helping of cheese. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled trout, antipasti, vegetarian appetizers. Alcohol: 13% Sweetness: Extra Dry Drink: 2010‐2013 Price: $9.95 Score: 86/100 LCBO: 578641
V.Q.A., Niagara On The Lake, Ontario, Canada
Amarone nose with tart cherry liqueur concentration from the appassimento method of adding dried grapes for richness, depth and flavour. Full-bodied and smooth with a pleasantly bitter finish. Pinot Shiraz food pairings: pork tenderloin, hard white cheeses. Alcohol: 14% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2012‐2016 Enchanting Cheese Wine Price: $19.95 Score: 89/100 LCBO: 246413
Lodi, California, United States
Wow! Coffee smoke and fleshy black plums on the nose. Layers of pleasure and full-bodied richness on the palate. Long finish. Top me up please! Zinfandel food pairings: hamburgers, prime rib. Alcohol: 15% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2016 Best Beef Wine Price: $21.95 Score: 92/100 LCBO: 59311
Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Rich and full-bodied with fleshy ripe blackberry, mint and black olive aromas on the nose. Layers and smooth, with polished tannins and a long finish. Terrific mouth-watering juiciness. I would love this red with grilled pork chops and soft music. Shiraz food pairings: pizza, pasta in meat sauce, steak, lamb cutlets, beef brisket, peppercorn steak. Alcohol: 15.2% Sweetness: Dry 750 ml Drink: 2013‐2016 Plush Pork Wine Best Value Red Wine Price: $17.95 Score: 90/100 LCBO: 287979
Stellenbosch, South Africa
This unique blend of shiraz, pinotage, merlot and cabernet sauvignon is full-bodied and smooth. It's very balanced and almost has mature aromas of leather, smoke and dried sour cherry. Very lovely, especially for the price. Great acidity cries out for grilled pork shops or even a tomato sauce with pasta. Alcohol: 14.5% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2012‐2015 Smart Buy Wine Best Value Red Wine Price: $14.15 Score: 88/100 LCBO: 226639
VQA, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
Juicy and full-bodied with aromas and flavours of dark red fruit and black plums. Smooth texture. Goes down scary fast. Alcohol: 14.6% Sweetness: Dry 750 ml Drink: 2012‐2015 Price: $19.90 Score: 88/100 LCBO: 187492
Lodi, California, United States
The grapes for this wine come from vines averaging 50 years old. This full-bodied red wine offers tasty aromas and flavours of purple plums and blueberry pie with a smooth, full-bodied texture. Luscious and satisfying. Yum! Ready for BBQ or chicken wings when you are. Zinfandel food pairings: rib roast. Alcohol: 13.5% Sweetness: Extra Dry 750 ml Drink: 2012‐2015 Pizza Pleaser Wine Price: $18.95 Score: 90/100 LCBO: 57356
V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Lovely! Lemon meringue and honeysuckle on this gorgeous dessert wine. Yet it's light and gliding over the palate. Try it with angela food cake. Riesling Icewine food pairings: spicy spring rolls, freshly sliced melon. Alcohol: 7.9% Sweetness: Sweet 200 ml Drink: 2013‐2020 Enchanting Cheese Wine Top Rated Dessert Wine Price: $29.95 Score: 94/100 LCBO: 243519