This post was originally published on Audible.com.
Call me immortal, because I frankly refuse to believe that 21 whole years have passed since the first Twilight novel released. Alas, time flies when you sparkle in the sun.
To commemorate this surreal coming-of-age moment for a story so near and dear to my generation’s adolescence, I figured wine not gather a few friends, throw on the killer movie adaptation, and exercise our seasoned palates to determine which bottles best reflect the characters in Stephenie Meyer’s rich world of vampires. The experience became one to savor, surfacing rich undertones of gratitude for the stories that helped transform us from bookish teens into the literature lovers we are today—and a toast to that is indeed in order!
Should you also choose to partake in this opportunity to acknowledge how well we’ve all aged (and remember to consume responsibly), the following character-wine pairings are worth sampling, speaking to an assortment of full-bodied flavors, shimmering personalities, and notes of nostalgia.
Bella Swan: Something young, something macerated, like a Beaujolais Nouveau
Dying to age like fine wine beside her beloved and immortal Edward, Bella spends much of the Twilight series practically begging for the sweet release of making skin contact with a vampire. Rough-around-the-edges, earthy, and aromatic—don’t forget how her intoxicatingly sweet-smelling blood pushes the Cullen family’s self-restraint to its limits—your selection should align with the character’s insistence that she really is mature for her age.
Edward Cullen: Sparkling white cider
Highlighting the notes of liquid gold fluorescence found in his eyes while conjuring a playful nod to his early flirtations involving an apple in the school cafeteria (as referenced on the novel’s cover), a sparkling white cider is most apt for Edward Cullen, Bella’s “forbidden fruit.”
Dr. Carlisle Cullen: Champagne
Classy and capable of bringing large groups of seemingly different individuals together, Dr. Carlisle Cullen founded a more ethical path forward for vampires to pursue vegetarian lifestyles. Why not celebrate that achievement with a cold flute of champagne?
Jacob Black: A Washington-sourced wine
With the series set in one of America’s greatest wine-producing regions, a Twilight tasting party ought to explore the impressive range of grapes that Washington state ferments to perfection. When it comes to pairing this opportunity with a particular personality, no one is closer to the Forks locals than Jacob Black, Bella’s closest childhood friend. Just as Jacob is a worthy contender for Bella’s heart in these books, a bottle from this region may just become your favorite pour of the night. (My friends and I sampled a pinot and gamay noir blend from Loop de Loop Wines for its wolfish-sounding name, and were not disappointed.)
The Volturi: Lambrusco
Ranging from delicately colored rosés to deeply colored varieties, Lambrusco is a sparkling red that originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. One pour and you’ll see the immediate connection between these wines and the Volturi’s haunting, blood-sated red eyes. One taste and you’ll experience the same refreshing rush that this indulgent coven of vampire royalty has been feasting upon for centuries.
Alice Cullen: Pét-nat
Meaning “naturally sparkling,” a pétillant naturel pairs perfectly with Alice Cullen’s infectious effervescence and pixie-like whimsy. Often fermented with natural yeast, these wines are known for their unexpected, wild-card flavors.
Rosalie Hale: Rosé
Let’s face it, at first glance she appears a bit basic, probably due to her undeniable natural beauty. Get to know her a bit better, however, and you’ll soon realize that Rosalie Hale actually has a pretty sad backstory. Likewise, don’t overlook the delicate balance just waiting to be discovered in the world of rosé. (Select a carbonated bottle, if you wish to maintain continuity by pairing all vampires with sparkling wines.)
Jasper Hale: Orange
Being the most recent to part ways with his bloodstained past to pursue a more peaceful existence, Jasper is the most volatile and unpredictable vampire in the Cullen clan, making him feel like an orange. You never really know what you’re getting until that cork pops off. (Ditto on the carbonation.)
Charlie Swan: Just a nice cold beer. Obviously.
