5 Wines to Pair with Halloween Candy + a GIVEAWAY

Who says Halloween candy is just for kids? Today I'm bringing you five fantastic wines to pair with your favorite Halloween candies! What's more, all five wines are less than $20, so you can get your wine on without spending a fortune.

I stopped by local wine store, Vin Chicago, which has four locations throughout Chicago. Vin Chicago markets itself as having, "the quality and service of a wine boutique with prices that are lower than the big-box stores." During my visit I chatted with Advanced Sommelier, Mike Matonte, and worked with Mike to pick five wines to pair with a wide variety of delicious Halloween candies. The result was five totally different wines, all from five different countries.

Check out our picks below and if you're interested in picking up some of these wines for Halloween (I did!), I've partnered with Vin Chicago to give a $50 gift card to one lucky follower! Enter at the bottom of this post by Friday, October 30th at 12am/midnight CST!

1) Chardonnay

2014 Bayten Constantia Chardonnay ($16.99) from South Africa has notes of pear, fig, and apple, and received 91 points from Wine Spectator. Only 390 cases were imported, so get it while you can. The finish is similar to a shortbread, which is why it would pair well with Twix, as well as other caramel candies, and foods like caramel apples. You know what they say, you either love or hate Chardonnay, that's why I'd also pair this with a candy people either love or hate, candy corn!

2014 Bayten Constantia Chardonnay

2) Cava

Let's be honest, a little bubbly can pair with practically anything. Jane Ventura 2012 Cava Reserva Brut Nature from Spain ($13.99) is fresh and crisp, and made using the same methods as wines produced in the Champagne region. The dry sparkling wine would pair well with sweet, fruity candy, such as Starbursts or even Pop Rocks to add some extra fizz!

Jane Ventura 2012 Cava Reserva Brut Nature

3) Malbec

When I think of rich, bold red wine, I immediately think of rich, dark chocolate. Vina Cobos 2013 "Felino" Malbec from Argentina ($15.99) is full bodied and has notes of blackberries and blueberries. It has a spicy finish and would pair well with squares of rich dark chocolate, but I don't blame you if you want to drink this with any type of chocolate candy. 

Vina Cobos 2013 "Felino" Mendoza Malbec

4) Shiraz

This 3 Rings 2012 Barossa Shiraz ($13.99) is from South Australia and was awarded 90 points by Wine Spectator. It has strong cherry and red plum flavors with a spicy finish. The hints of star anise make it a perfect match for licorice like Twizzlers!

3 Rings Barossa Shiraz 2012

5) Gamay

The Guillot-Broux 2013 Macon Rouge ($17.99) from the Burgundy region of France is produced from 100% Gamay grapes. It's medium-bodied and has tart berry and cherry notes. It has a certain lightness to it that would pair well with richer chocolate candies with peanut butter, like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, or Reese's Pieces.

Guillot-Broux 2013 Macon Rouge

GIVEAWAY

Enter below to wine one (1) $50 gift card to Vin Chicago to be used at any of their four Chicago-area locations. Giveaway open to Chicago-area residents only. Winner will be notified via email.

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Wine photos courtesy of Vin Chicago