Apothic Dark Red Blend

Apothic Dark Red Blend is a 750mL California red blend from Apothic, the E. & J. Gallo range from Modesto — Dark was first launched in the US in 2013, following the original Apothic Red of 2010. The brand's own notes for the 2021 wine describe a blend primarily of Petite Sirah and Teroldego with other dark-skinned varieties, the majority of the grapes selected from Lodi, harvested mostly at night. Documented ABV figures run from 13.5% to 14.0% depending on source and bottling. The brand summarises the wine in three words — dark fruits, chocolate, coffee — and the pour lives up to it. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.

• ABV: 13.5–14.0% documented across sources (13.9% on the current US retail listing)
• Size: 750mL
• Style: Bold California red blend — full-bodied, plush
• Blend: Primarily Petite Sirah and Teroldego, with other dark-skinned varieties (brand's 2021 notes; no percentages published)
• Origin: California — the majority of grapes from Lodi (2021 notes)
• Producer: Apothic — an E. & J. Gallo brand, Modesto; Dark launched in the US in 2013

The Dark End of the Apothic Range

Apothic takes its name from "Apotheca," the place brand lore describes as where vintners kept their most coveted concoctions — with "epic" folded in — and Dark is the range's deepest pour. The brand's 2021 notes describe varieties fermented warm for dark, jammy extraction, blended for a silky mouthfeel with dark chocolate and spice in the frame; the current product page adds black cherry and plum with lightly roasted oak in the aroma. See the range on the Apothic vendor page or browse more red wine on the shelf.

Tasting Notes

From the brand's 2021 notes: Nose: Blueberry, blackberry and plum. Palate: Rich and plush — dark fruit accented by dark chocolate and spice, with coffee and mocha hints. Finish: Full-bodied, long and lingering.

How to Enjoy

The brand's own pairings: grilled meats, aged cheeses and spiced desserts. Serve at cool room temperature; it is blended to be open on release, no decanting needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grapes are in Apothic Dark? Per the brand's 2021 notes, primarily Petite Sirah and Teroldego with other dark-skinned varieties — no percentages are published, and the supporting cast varies by bottling.

How strong is it? Documented figures run 13.5–14.0% ABV depending on bottling and source; the current US retail listing gives 13.9%.

Is there really chocolate and coffee in it? No — those are the flavours the blend is made to evoke (the brand's own category summary is "dark fruits and chocolate, and coffee"), not ingredients.

Dark fruit, darker finish — order Apothic Dark Red Blend from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA and have it ready for the weekend.