Bernadette Fideli
Halloween is an interesting day in a retirement community. Ringing doorbells, bags of candy, and hordes of anxious costumed children are a thing of the past. Al and Vivian Wright offered the Wine Stewards a perfect choice: a casual night with friends and Halloween themed wines that offered easy conversation starters. And conversations definitely began with colorful and quirky labels. Think Witching Hour Red Blend, Melodramatic Darkness Red Blend, and Phantom Chardonnay. The following two wines, however, proved to be the hit of the evening. Imagine a tall, slim, all black bottle in the shape of a cat. This was Cat Bottle Rheinhessen Riesling, a full-flavored offering with pear and citrus aromas. It is stimulating on the palate, fresh, and fruity. Its sweetness is well balanced with typical crisp Riesling acidity. Having wine poured from a cat bottle certainly grabs one’s attention. Prayers of Saints Chardonnay has a label that is hard to forget – it glows in the dark. This chardonnay is tempting for the saint in all of us. Light, bright, and refreshing, it has a touch of softness. Notes of citrus, pear, and melon are present. The chardonnay was fermented to reduce bitterness while highlighting sweet fruit flavors. Halloween themed wines offer a new, delicious way to bring out the good or evil in you without getting dressed up. Their creepy-crawly designs are the perfect costume.