Scary Wines
By John W. Schultz
Halloween is a scary time of year whether you are
dressing up like Laura Croft and going to a party, or are hanging
out and answering the door to trick or treaters. Chill your nerves
on edge from the scary 4th graders in Spiderman costumes by having a
glass or two of some appropriate plonk. Who knows, it might
help you throw in a "Booo" or two!
Here are a couple great-drinking "theme wines" that are widely
available. Check them out at your nearest wine seller:
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo
Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Chile) $11
Buy It!
A great bottle to bring to a party. Every one likes a smooth
tannin and tame fruit-bomb monster like this one. Classic cherry
aromas and flavors with gobs of raspberry and plum notes in the
mouth and hints of toasty vanilla oak. Rich and full. A great drink!
Casillero del Diablo offers wine lovers the very special
opportunity to participate in the propagation of a century old
legend known throughout the wine world. In the 19th century, the
founder of Concha y Toro, Don Melchor, discovered that his vineyard
workers were sampling his greatest wines. To discourage this action,
Don Melchor spread the rumor that his deepest, darkest cellar was
the Casillero del Diablo (Cellar of the Devil), so that no one would
dare go in. It worked, and a legend was born. Today, this mysterious
and legendary cellar continues to hold the finest, estate grown
wines of Casillero del Diablo.
Egri Bikaver Bulls Blood 1999 (Hungary) $6
In great supply in the Seattle market, and drinking very well.
This powerful, full-bodied red is made from ancient plantings and
clones from Bordeaux, of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet
Franc plus Kekfrancos, a native Hungarian grape.
The name
Egri
Bikaver ("Bulls Blood" in Hungarian) originates from the battles
against Turkish armies around 1552. To motivate and support the
small group of soldiers at Eger castle they were served delicious
food and a lot of red wine to keep them fighting. Among the Turkish
soldiers it was rumored that bull’s blood was mixed into the red
wine, to strengthen the soldiers in
 defense
of the castle. Finally the Turks gave up and the battle was won.
One famous fan of this wine is
Bela Lugosi. Bela enjoyed premium cigars and fine wines,
especially "Egri Bikaver-Bulls blood of Eger". His favorite dishes
were Transylvanian Sauerkrat, stuffed cabbage and Hungarian kabbasz
sausage.
Bull’s Blood is believed to have been produced for over 500
years, so it is considered one of the world’s oldest wines.
Have fun with these wines and enjoy your Halloween, but please
drive carefully and drink responsibly. |
