Harry Potter and the Red Wine Pairings
There’s almost nothing I love more than Harry Potter. It’s the most intoxicating elixir of creepy and beautiful, love and evil, magic and reality. I’m getting misty-eyed just thinking about it. Anyway, my point is that all eight Harry Potter movies take you through Thanksgiving and Christmas at Hogwarts. Fires are roaring, snow covers the campus, and students are up to no good in their festive uniforms — until I was nine and saw snow, Hogwarts was my sole visual for what a white Christmas must be like. You can watch any of the movies for that dark, moody holiday story, but I do have favorites. So throw on an itchy Christmas sweater, grab your collectible wand that you’re not ashamed to own (I have Sirius Black’s), and read through my ~wicked~ guide for three red wine and Harry Potter pairings.
1.The Chamber of Secrets + Merlot
I’ve always loved the sweetness and purity of the first two installments because Ron, Hermione, and Harry are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first years. In the Chamber of Secrets, they’re just getting a real taste of Voldemort. The best varietal for doing the Dark Lord’s bidding? Merlot.
I have to admit I’m partial because I was able to unscramble “Merlot” from Tom Riddle’s name in lieu of “Voldemort”, just like the scene in The Chamber of Secrets. But it’s a fabulous choice regardless. Merlot is typically filled with dark blackberry, vanilla, and chocolate flavors and has the ability to pair with tons of different foods, sort of like a polyjuice potion. I suggest Farella’s 2015 Merlot with a vat of caramel popcorn.
2. The Goblet of Fire + Cabernet
True to my competitive spirit, Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire is one of my all-time favorites. After Harry is mysteriously entered into the TriWizard Tournament, we see dragons, riddles (wink), young love, and new characters from other wizardry schools added to the especially twisted and mystical plot. There’s also a stunning Christmas ball at Hogwarts. Oh, and Voldemort’s back. Like, BACK back.
When I think of what wine I’d like to drink out of a goblet, Nine Hats’ Reserve Cabernet is the champion. This 2016 beauty is not messing around. Much like the TriWizard Tournament, it’s dark, complex, and intense with aromatics of blackberry cobbler and oak spice. Pair with garlic butter steak and loaded baked potato while you watch Harry ride a Hungarian Horntail.
3. The Deathly Hallows Part 1 + Pinot Noir
I genuinely get chills thinking about the Deathly Hallows, and I’d even argue it’s the creepiest of all the movies. Ron, Hermione, and Harry are on the hunt to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, and in a nutshell, all Hell breaks loose. I think my favorite scene is when Hermione reads the actual tale of the Deathly Hallows, a mythical Grimm Brothers-esque story about three brothers and their encounters with Death. Plain and simple? It’s just so good.
Orwin Swift’s Pinot Noir “Slander” is a noble companion for this suspenseful seventh installment. It’s a silky new release with layers of cranberry, white pepper, and fresh brioche. It’s perfectly mouth-watering on its own, but a bowl of savory pasta would be a great complement during this 2.5-hour flick.
You can probably tell I wrote this blog for very selfish reasons, but now you’re ready to get cozied up for the most intense holiday season-red wine-Harry Potter marathon of your dreams. Happy Holidays!
