Woman on Wine

with Amy Reiley

I feel as though I’m expected to write a story on pairing candy and wine in order to celebrate the season. All I can say is, “Ick!” (Although I will admit to loving the combination of Ferrari Carano Fumé Blanc and M&M’s.) Instead of pairing Halloween treats with great wines, I’m going to take my inspiration from the concept of the jumble inside that bulging trick or treat bag. My feature this month is a mixed bag of wines I want to drink at Halloween, on a weekday..or weekend, with friends…any time.

As with that bag of candy collected from neighbors, my list contains something tangy, something a little nutty and plenty of bottlings I just can’t wait to open.

Wines I want to drink right now, the recommendations

2018 J. Dusi Rosé

Who says you can’t drink rosé past Labor Day? When a wine tastes like this, you’ll want to drink it year round. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignane, it offers a crispness reminiscent of crunching through autumn leaves. Berry flavors dominate on the palate, but the finish leaves a lingering hint of something savory, an almost green olive note that I can’t get enough of.

Perlage Riva Moretta Prosecco DOCG

Riva Moretta is Perlage’s oldest vineyard.  And it produces a Prosecco of distinction. A 100% organic wine, this gently effervescent bottle of bubbly offers wildflower aromas. Its flavors hint of tangerine and green apple with a pleasing candied citrus note, making it one of the wines I want to drink any day of the week.

2017 Alois Lageder Schiava

If you’ve never tried  a wine made from Schiava, I hope you make this your first. This (relatively)  low alcohol red has fruity freshness and round tannins. As far as reds go, I’d call it a “pretty” wine, with floral aromas and bright, citrus acidity. And at around $15/bottle, it’s one of those wines I want to drink over and over again.

2015 Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon

If you follow my column, you’ve probably figured out I’m not much of a Cab drinker. But this wine from the  Sonoma Valley is the kind of red I like to keep around to serve to my bold red-loving friends. An exceptionally well priced Cab for the quality, it offers complex aromas of blackberry, cassis, caramel and tobacco. On the palate, it’s got good acid, great structure. In other words, it’s a keeper!

2017 Inniskillin Vidal Icewine

You know what I’d rather have than candy? THIS! On the nose, there are beautiful notes of honeysuckle, pineapple and freshly squeezed citrus juices. Its intense, fruit flavors positively explode in the mouth. Its texture is like liquid honey. Seriously, why would anyone every eat Halloween candy after they try this wine?

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Amy Reiley

An award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks with an MA in Gastronomy, Amy Reiley has spent the past 18 years studying the history and science behind aphrodisiac foods. She speaks on aphrodisiacs globally and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac foods to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health writer and wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine. Most importantly, Amy is a mother to 2 human children and 1 standard poodle.

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