Yes, the one with the devil on it. I love beautiful, funny, and themed wine labels. I represent the average wine drinker perusing the grocery store or liquor store aisles for something fun to bring to parties. And the most wonderful time of the year is upon us: Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Samhain, and Day of the Dead. I recently enjoyed two new vintage samples of Casillero del Diablo (which translates to The Devil’s Cellar) from Chilean wine producer Concha y Toro and am celebrating the Halloween season again with The Official Wine of Halloween. Here’s what’s in my goblet this Halloween (with some notes from the wine producer, because I am a wino and a wine drinker, not a connoisseur or wine collector)…
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Chile
$12 (750ml)
Sheila’s Notes: I love this cab so much! It’s bold but not overwhelming, meaning I can drink it by itself and also with a hearty dinner when it’s ready (because I don’t tend to wait for dinner to start drinking). Pairs well with cold fronts and tacos!
Aroma: The expression of cassis in this wine perfectly represents the Valle Central and its richness in fruit such as cherries and plums. The barrel ageing length thanks to the toast and coffee notes.
Palate: Medium bodied with silky tannins and long, ripe fruit and berry aftertaste, with impressive balance of fruit and polished tannins.
Food Pairing: Red meats, well-seasoned dishes, and aged cheeses such as Gruyere or blue.
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Reserva Red Blend 2017
Chile
$12 (750ml)
Sheila’s Notes: This is a rebellious blend of Syrah and Cabernet. It’s intense but smooth, dominated by plum and seasoned with a little spice and bitter chocolate. And because of the label, it’s also a sexy gift to take to parties (to share or give to the host ghoul).
Nose: Ripe, densely packed with black cherry and dark plum, slightly spicy, with a
soft touch of bitter chocolate.
Palate: Notes of dark plums, with firm and round tannins, velvety texture, smooth,
well balanced and mouth filling wine.
Food Pairing: Different kind of grilled meat. Lamb stews with herbs and other
preparations based on this meat or game meat.
Happy Halloween!