Apothic Wines explore the latest trend in American wines - the moderately sweet style.
This is the style that is currently sweeping the country because it appeals to those of us who enjoy a bit of sweetness in their wines. What this type of winemaking does is to offer a high-quality wine to those who do not enjoy totally dry wines and equally do not care for super sweet wines.
Apothic Wines also open an entirely new vista to mealtime wine enjoyment. There are many foods that just do not go well with dry wines. These are foods that have some sweetness to them, such as oriental dishes or any meal that is served with sweet side dishes such as carrots and cranberry sauce.
Apothic White Blend ($14)When a sweet white wine is merely mentioned around wine lovers, thoughts immediately run toward those super sweet, teeth rattling, soda pop-like wines that are directed toward people who just want the sugar and frankly don’t give a darn about quality or depth.
There are, however, some among us who enjoy a sweeter wine and are constantly searching for one that has both a bit of sugar and a well-balanced aroma and flavor. For those with the money to spare, there are always the French sauternes with prices starting at about $50 and go up from there to the stratosphere. For the more normal people, there is the Apothic White Blend.
This wine is a novel and impressive blend of chardonnay, riesling and moscato, resulting in a nice all-around wine that can accompany a great many foods or food combinations. We found it to be a standout when used as an aperitif or with seafood salads.
While not completely dry, this wine is, to say the least, bold in its presentation of its fruit flavors and aromas, which feature peach, pineapple, apricot, honey and vanilla. As one might expect, the flavors carry right on through to the finish, which is long and memorable.
Apothic Red Blend ($14) Like the Apothic White Blend, this wine is a compendium of familiar wine grapes: zinfandel, syrah, merlot and cabernet savignon.
The amazing thing about this wine is the grapes used can be individually identified by aroma and taste. The zinfandel contributes the flavors of dark summer fruits and spice. Merlot introduces a soft and velvety mouth feel. The syrah adds a blueberry element, while the cabernet sauvignon lends its cassis, blackberry and black cherry, as well as its elegant structure and long finish.
Even if you are not a sweet wine aficionado, this wine deserves your attention; it got ours.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and manages ArticlesOnWine.com. He can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.
