Hey friend—grab a glass and let's talk Halloween candy and wine like this is just us on the couch. This episode of True Crimes Against Wine dives into fun, easy pairings for those classic treats parents (and secret candy-stealers) might sip while handing out goodies. We cover gummy sweets like Swedish Fish and gummy bears with a light, fruity Gamay; chocolatey-carameled bars like Snickers with a friendly Chardonnay; and icebox favorites like Three Musketeers with a soft, earthy Pinot Noir. For tart, chalky Smarties, try a zippy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; candy corn? Just drink whatever you love—no rules. Caramel apples get a nuanced pick (Chablis-style Chardonnay or a cozy Chenin Blanc depending on apple type), Reese’s calls for a bold Malbec, and surprisingly, rosé makes a playful companion for Tootsie Pops. There’s also nostalgic chat, sticky-finger confessions, and the kind of banter that makes you hungry—so maybe keep a snack handy. Hit us up with your candy dilemmas at TrueCrimesAgainstWine@gmail.com and we’ll send swag. Cheers and happy Halloween!

DEFENDANT: Hannibal Lecter

EVIDENCE: Frescobaldi Castiglione Chianti DOCG

SCENE OF THE CRIME: Chianti, Tuscany, IT

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Hey friend — grab a glass and pull up a chair. In this cozy, spooky episode of True Crimes Against Wine, Judge Topher and Judge Rachel uncork a breezy Chianti (Frescobaldi’s Castiglione DOCG) and take you on a trip through vineyards, vintage trivia, and one of cinema’s creepiest minds: Hannibal Lecter.

We wander through Italian wine regions, decode what “Chianti” really means (it’s a place, not a grape), and chat about Sangiovese — the grape whose name literally translates to “blood of Jove.” We taste pomegranate, raspberry, and gentle tannins, debate decanting, and marvel at how much character can come from a $15–$20 bottle.

Then the episode pivots into pop-culture mode: an affectionate, spoiler-rich deep dive into The Silence of the Lambs — Jodie Foster’s Clarice, Anthony Hopkins’ unnerving Hannibal, the iconic Buffalo Bill scene, and why the film still gives us chills. We toss in juicy behind-the-scenes bits (the director charming a singer in drag, casting what-ifs, and Ted Levine’s dance-prep), a playful Hannibal wardrobe breakdown, and a trivia quiz filled with booze-fueled misfires.

It’s intimate, funny, and a little bit creepy — like a perfect Halloween hangout with old friends who love wine and true crime-adjacent pop culture. Come for the Chianti, stay for the chilling movie talk (and the questionable life choices). Cheers — and maybe don’t let strange men into your hatchback.

Join us for a candid, no-filter breakdown of the recent Sydney Sweeney ad for a sports betting app — the one everyone's talking about. We dig into the ad’s over-the-top sexualization (yes, it looks like porn), the predatory nature of online sports gambling, and the hypocrisy of moral posturing from conservative corners. We also talk about how celebrities profit from male-gaze-focused branding, why this kind of content is alarming when it airs during family TV viewing, and the broader advertising culture that allows it to exist. It’s part critique, part bafflement, and a whole lot of "did that just happen?" Tune in as we vent, joke, and try to make sense of this rancid dumpster fire together.