One of the most amusing American feasts has origins in Catholic Ireland and is based on a Celtic tradition, when at the end of October the end of summer was celebrated and the crops harvested. The symbolic colors of the festival are the orange, which recalls the harvest and the end of summer, and the black, that is the darkness of winter. October 31st, Halloween (the word probably derives from All Hallows Eve, the night of All Saints) for the Celts it was a magical day: represented not only the transition between two seasons, but also a time when the barriers between the living and the dead and the spirits were removed were able to return to earth. To escape them, villagers masked themselves in a frightening way.
The party today has also taken hold in Italy where hordes of children, dressed as witches, skeletons and monsters, ring at the door shouting "trick or treat" and receive candy, biscuits and chocolate. Often children are accompanied by a parent who watches from a distance: it would not be a bad idea to give the patient custodian a little gift, especially since in Italy there is the perfect wine for the occasion.
Halloween red
One of the most typical wines of the Oltrepò Pavese, a great wine region south of Milan, is the Sangue di Giuda, a perfect name to nominate for an ideal Halloween potion. The origin of such a curious name is partly due to its ruby red color and partly to a legend. It seems that Judas, after his death, had greatly regretted having betrayed Jesus who would have resurrected him, forcing him to do something so good that he deserved his forgiveness. Judas would reappear on the earth in Broni, a small town in the Oltrepo, where an epidemic had seriously affected local viticulture. The sage of the town had predicted that only a blood sacrifice would save the vines and Judas decided to offer himself as a victim. When the head of the village was about to take the knife against Judas he was restrained by a dark force and was unable to complete the sacrifice. But the vineyards, suddenly, returned lush and full of fruit. The inhabitants of Broni, to thank Giuda, dedicated to him the name of the sweet red wine they produced.
The Blood of Judas is based on the local vines croatina, barbera, rare grapes and vespolina. It has a deep ruby red color with violet reflections and an intense and fragrant aroma of fresh fruit and spices; it is sweet to the taste, full-bodied and persistent. Try it with chocolate desserts, but also with Halloween cookies.
Which to taste
Oltrepo Pavese Blood of Judah Flower of the Wind Andrea Picchioni
Oltrepo Pavese Sangue di Giuda Hot water Quaquarini
Oltrepo Pavese Blood of Judas Siliquastro Mon Carul
Oltrepo Pavese Blood of Giuda Costiolo Conte Vistarino
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