Caroline on CrackThis Halloween, let's take back the candy bowl from the kiddies. Why should they get to have all the Smarties, candy corn and mini candy bars anyway? So we've asked some of our favorite wine shops in L.A. — CitySip LA, Colorado Wine Company, Domaine LA, Elvino Wines and Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar — for suggestions on which vino would best pair with your kids' trick-or-treat loot.
Candy Corn: For fans of these marshmallow-flavored kernels, Elvino in Venice highly recommends you try them with the 2007 Ruca Malen Chardonnay ($13.99). This crisp, refreshing white wine was partly aged in French oak which gives it a caramelly vanilla flavor and partly in stainless steel which lends it apple notes; both perfect with candy corn.
Junior Mints: New midcity wine shop Domaine LA rose to the challenge of pairing everyone's favorite minty chocolate confection with a wine and found that Sean Thackrey's Pleiades XVII($25) — a blend of Petite Sirah, Sangiovese and Zinfandel — was best suited for its spice and menthol, a flavor influenced by the winery's proximity to a large eucalyptus tree.
Smarties and Vinho Verde; Credit: CitySip LA
Smarties: CitySipLA wine bar/shop in Echo Park likes the sweet and sour of Smarties with the Portugese Trajarinho Vinho Verde's ($13) pleasant acidity and slight effervescence. If you'd like to try this pairing, it'll be one of five featured pairings ($23) at the wine shop's Halloween event this Saturday.
Pierre Chermette Beaujolais 2008; Credit: Colorado Wine Company
Twizzlers: Eagle Rock's Colorado Wine Company is the master of creating unusual pairings (see their annual White Trash Tastings) so it was a cinch to match this fruit-flavored licorice treat with Pierre Chermette Beaujolais 2008 ($14.99), a lovely medium-bodied Cru Beaujolais that boasts its own hint of licorice and fruitiness.
Olsen Family Vineyards “Viridian” Pinot Noir 2006; Credit: Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar
Whoppers: Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar in Santa Monica suggests you go with Olsen Family Vineyards “Viridian” Pinot Noir 2006 Oregon ($37) when you're popping these chocolate-covered malt balls. This softer version of a typical Oregonian Pinot Noir contains hints of brioche and almond with a mocha finish that works well with Whoppers.
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