Wine Guy: Pseudo-Creepy Sips

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All Hallow’s Eve is just around the corner. While he’s not exactly a huge Halloween fan, it’s true that it’s easy to get into the spirit of things.

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Fortunately, given the focus of this column, we are speaking both figuratively and literally. That said, rather than explicitly embracing the occasion with overt occult references, let’s focus on a trio of pseudo-spooky drinkers, all ready to coolly marry any Halloween holiday.

Gnarly Head 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel, California ($ 16.99 on sale through October 30, # 297929)

Look at that creepy twisted vine on the label! Dig the orange foil motif! What is scarier: an explicit, dark and evil reference or a subtle suggestion? An old vine certainly presents a mysterious, almost haunting atmosphere. Not to mention, there is character in that rugged appearance, which predicts years of untold harvest stories. In California there is an “old vine” Zinfandel legacy, including this bottle of Gnarly Head from the heart of Cali Zin in Lodi. With stewed black fruit and baking spices, this is a rich, smooth red with a hint of cinnamon and oak built in, luxurious throughout with a lingering spice on the finish. Hands down, this is the best chocolate pairing wine, from Hershey’s to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

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Bottom line: B, Smooth and abundant red chocolate pairing

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Trinidad and Tobago ($ 27.99 for 750mL on sale until October 30, # 199455)

First things first, there’s a real chance that given the NHL’s new landscape, it’s not even appropriate to talk about the Kraken. Nonetheless, let’s put hockey loyalties aside for a moment and focus on the meaningful Halloween allusions that featured a spicy rum with a spooky and monstrous name that gazes out at the deep, dark sea. Also, there is a general agreement that rum equates to pirates, which they undoubtedly are, or RRRRrrrrr, one of the favorite Halloween spots. Consequently, it’s perfect drizzled in a hot buttered rum and ready for treat distribution.

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In short: B +, Robust, spicy, comforting

Yellow Dog Brewing Co. Play Dead IPA, Port Moody ($ 11.79 for four 473 ml cans on sale through October 30, # 5629)

The name, do you understand? Okay, we’re pushing partnerships here, but instead of going for the obvious pumpkin-related and pumpkin-spice beers for Halloween, why not go for an honest West Coast-style IPA with a Halloween-appropriate name? Because if you’re at home with the task of handing out the treats, this may be the perfect companion. A bold, hoppy, and robust concoction oozing tropical fruit and citrus, lip smacking and lip smacking. Just don’t try to pair with candy-sized chocolate bars; instead, opt to call it “trick” and open a bag of salty potato chips.

Bottom line: A-, classic IPA

The Swirl: The Vancouver International Wine Festival is back!

VanWineFest recently announced their return. The 43rd incarnation is scheduled to take place May 16-22, 2022, at the Vancouver Convention Center and other venues around the city. The 2022 festival is still in the planning stages, but expectations include a wide selection of tastings, winery dinners, lunches, seminars, and the return of the bacchanalia gala auction. To stay up-to-date, head over to vanwinefest.ca or follow @vanwinefest.