Because you’re too old for candy anyway.
And so are we. Not to mention, there are plenty of wines that will satisfy your sweet tooth. (See: Serious Sweet Wines, and Port Pairings, and Ice Wine, please.)
So instead eating sweets, sip along with one of these 13 classic flicks and get your heart pulsing this Halloween. Submitted for your approval: Scary good horror movie wine pairings to consume in-between all your candy dispensing.
13 Classic Horror Movie Wine Pairings
Carrie – Uruguay Tannat
It’s a little shy, a little awkward compared to other well-known wine regions. But trust us, this Tannat is bigger and badder than everyone’s favorite cheerleader. (Better watch yourself Cabernet.)
- Pro-Tip: Find out why Tannat is the next “it” wine. Click here.
The Silence of the Lambs – Chianti
Perfect if you’re having friends for dinner, we mean, over for dinner. (What’d we say?) Pairs better with pizza than liver and fava beans, in our humble opinion.
- Go Further: As Chianti is made from Sangiovese, there’s a wealth of similar wines to try.
- Pro-Tip: Splurge on Chianti Classico Riserva if you’re looking for great quality.
Shaun of the Dead – Red Wine, Any
Like Shaun, maybe you’re trying to be more refined. Don’t get us wrong, a lager with your best friend is hard to beat. Maybe all you need is a nudge in the right direction…
- Vermentino – For pale ale and IPA fans.
- Petite Sirah – For lovers of porters, stouts and barleywines.
- Chardonnay – For wheat and saison enthusiasts.
- Beaujolais – If you like it fruity and tart.
It (original and remake) – Lambrusco
Though, we understand that some of you will never, ever like it.
- Dig deeper: Which Lambrusco wines are complex and delicious? Find out.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me – Syrah
Such an engaging and bizarre show deserves a wine up to the task of following the last seven days of Laura Palmer’s life. What will we learn? Will it taste like coffee and cherry pie? Or are we going somewhere darker than expected? With Syrah, it really, really depends. May you find something strange and wonderful that leaves you speaking in reverse.
- Pro-Tip: Does not pair well with garmonbozia.
28 Days Later – Madeleine Angevine
With a happy ending, you’d think we’d recommend Champagne for celebrating. But as the zombies are A.) extremely fast and therefore, B.) extra scary, you’re going to want something light-in-alcohol and refreshing to keep you on your feet.
- Can’t find Madeleine A.? Try a Vinho Verde instead.
- Pro-Tip: Speaking of England, did you know about its rapidly growing wine scene? Learn all about it here.
The Exorcist – Vin Santo
We compel you to try this classic holy wine.
It Follows – Rosé
Like the horror genre, you may have thought rosé was the same ol’ schtick. Well, this movie sure showed you. So will the types of rosé coming out today.
- Pro-Tip: Made a bad decision and need to bolt from something both intangible and inescapable? Try rosé in a can! Very portable.
Psycho – Pradikat Riesling
At first, we thought Barolo. Iconic, powerful, with an agonizing wait until it reaches perfection. A pure psychological thriller. But part of what makes Psycho such an iconic film is the way it was made. It was unpretentious, visceral, and satisfying, despite having a limited budget. Something so strangely basic calls for sweet Riesling.
Plus, Mother always loved Riesling.
The Evil Dead – Californian Zinfandel
Relentless, absurd, and completely lacking in subtlety, you’ll need something just as preposterous. Enter big and juicy Zinfandel. Try not to have too much fun knocking back glasses as you watch this singular splatterfest.
- Added Bonus: Coping with a recently severed hand? The signature high ABV will really help with that.
The Shining – Napa Valley Cabernet
Do you have the slightest idea what a moral and ethical principle is? Do you? Because we do. (Occasionally.) Credit for this recommendation goes to Christopher Sawyer over at the Sommelier Files. “And like the classic film: the wine is not only bold and powerful, but age worthy as well!” So well put.
- Dig Deeper: Do you know how to find excellent Napa Cabernet? Find out.
Cube – Orange Wine
A puzzling, thrilling horror film calls for an equally brain-bending style of wine. Stunningly natural, surprisingly tannic, orange wines are unlike anything you’ve ever put in your mouth. A perfect pairing with the surreal, tortuous film that is Cube. Why would anyone do this to themselves? Ah, because you love it.
- What Is It Exactly? A white wine that’s made like a red wine and pushes secondary and tertiary aromas/flavors to the front and center.
The Babadook – Cannabis
You’ve been warned, The Babadook is too nerve-racking, even for most adults. Recommending more euphoric experiences instead.
Did we leave out your favorite horror movie and wine pairing?
Tell us about your favorite horror movie and we’ll come up with a pairing. And wine pros, we know you love horror (ahem, you work in a restaurant!) We’d love to see your favorite horror movie wine pairing (you too GK!). Leave your note in the comments below! We’re dying to read them.