Wine for the Weekend

Apothic Dark, California 2013
$15.95 LCBO 392654
Earlier this week, a dark and curious package arrived on the doorstep – a black box containing all the Halloween fun you can swing a black cat at. A brooding bottle of red wine, crimson candle, dark chocolate and a mysterious masquerade mask all wrapped up in a haunting black lace shawl, this box of goodies set the scene for a haunting Halloween party. And perhaps the wine inside would be just what Dr. Frankenstein ordered for all the Monster Mashes happening this weekend.

Apothic Dark – a limited edition big brother to the popular and crowd pleasing Apothic Red, is an interesting blend of Petite Sirah, Merlot … and Teroldego – a grape native to north eastern Italy, primarily grown in Trentino, but is gaining popularity in California. Known for earthy, red fruit character, with a bit of care and oak aging, Teroldego can develop tons of structure and depth. Combine that with the dark and tannic Petite Sirah and smooth and silky Merlot and you have quite the party.

Tasting Notes

Pouring inky purple with thick, dark purple tears running down the glass, this promises to be quite the crowd pleasing favourite with the nose showing nougat, dark chocolate, blue and blackberry. Flavours of chocolate, baking spice, plum and blackberry on the palate, with bright acidity and fine tannin. Good length with a purple fruit finish. Try this with simple beef dishes or roast game birds.