Apothic Crush Review: Three Reasons To Drink Up On This!
Contents
- What is Apothic Crush?
- Apothic Crush Tasting Notes
- Appearance
- Aroma
- Taste
- Apothic Crush vs Apothic Dark
- Apothic Red vs Apothic Crush Wine
- Food Pairing
- Alternatives
- Midnight Dark Red
- Pros
- Cons
- Watch This!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Apothic Crush red wine sweet?
- How do you drink the Apothic Crush wine?
- How long does the Apothic Crush last when opened?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Apothic Crush is a purple-colored California red blend that Apothic sells as a "Soft Blend": smooth, fruit-forward and medium-bodied, with a touch of sweetness.
What does it taste like?
Like other wine blends from this producer, such as the Apothic Red, the Crush is a pleasant tasting house wine with a long caramel-infused finish. If you are wondering how this one differs from the Apothic Red, then you’re in the right place!
In this Apothic Crush red blend review below, I discuss all the features of this cuvéé, and I compare it with other well-known blends from this winery.
What is Apothic Crush?
Apothic Crush Red Wine
Apothic Crush is made by Apothic Wines, a California brand owned by E. & J. Gallo Winery of Modesto.
Apothic calls Crush "a luscious blend" with notes of dark black fruit like black cherry and raspberry, complemented by aromas of caramel and milk chocolate.
What sets the Apothic cuvéés from other blended wines in the market is their extraordinary tasting profiles. Apart from the Crush, the current Apothic lineup includes Apothic Red (the original blend), Apothic Dark, Apothic Inferno, Apothic White, Apothic Rosé, and single-variety wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
I’ll compare the tasting notes of this wine with the Dark and Red wine blends a little later in this Apothic Crush wine review.
The Apothic name draws on "Apotheca," an old term for a place where wine was blended and stored.
Apothic does not list the exact grape varieties in Crush on its product page, and the blend can change from release to release. It is a well-balanced wine that is pleasant on the palate and pairs well with various foods. The flavor profile is fruit-forward and bold, typical of California blends.
Many tasters also pick up vanilla and mocha. Check the label for the alcohol level of your bottle, since it can vary by release.
Apothic Crush Tasting Notes
Appearance
The Apothic Crush features a deep purple color in the glass that is opaque when held against the light. It is also a leggy wine, indicating its high alcohol content, viscosity, and sweetness. The [meniscus](https://winespeed.com/articles/meniscus/#:~:text=The%20meniscus%20(men-IS-,meniscus,%20the%20older%20the%20wine.) is a lighter purple depending on the vintage.
Aroma
The Apothic Crush has very little alcohol on the nose. However, the wine has rich aromas of black cherry and blackberry, with hints of mocha, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Taste
The Apothic Crush has a fruit-forward taste of dark fruits, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla as the primary flavors. The wine is softer and less tannic than many dry red wines, with a hint of sweetness that keeps it smooth.
My overall observation in this Apothic Crush wine review is that it has a more intense flavor compared to other blended wines in this category.
It has a silky mouthfeel and a long, smooth finish with notes of blackberry and caramel. The dry taste does not linger, and the acidity is well-balanced by the sweet flavors, making it easy to drink.
Apothic Crush vs Apothic Dark
Apothic Dark
Apothic describes Dark as its bold blend, with black cherry, plum and lightly roasted oak. Crush is its soft blend.
Both wines feature the same appearance that includes a dark and opaque purple color and heavy viscosity. They also have a similar tasting profile of dark fruit flavors with chocolate, caramel, and licorice notes.
However, while the Crush has a smooth, well-balanced finish, the Apothic Dark is bolder and firmer, which some drinkers find less smooth.
Apothic Red vs Apothic Crush Wine
Apothic Red
The Apothic Red features four grape varietals and has the same viscosity and dark color as the Crush. In both wines, the alcohol is not noticeable in the aroma.
The Apothic Red is sweet with intense fruit aromas and tasting notes like the Crush, although it needs more aerating for the taste notes to come out.
On the other hand, the Crush is softer and smoother, the style Apothic built it around. However, both have an excellent finish and pair well with desserts.
Taste Test: Know more about Apothic Red here -- Apothic Red Wine Review.
Food Pairing
The Apothic Crush is a smooth red wine that pairs well with aged cheeses, fruit-forward desserts such as cherry cobbler, and light beef dishes such as mincemeat.
Because the wine is soft and low in tannin, it may not hold up to rich, intensely flavored dishes such as beef steaks.
Other food accompaniments I recommend include lamb dishes, cold cuts, roast vegetable salads, chicken, and turkey dishes.
Alternatives
Midnight Dark Red
Midnight Dark Red
While looking for wine alternatives for this Apothic Crush review, I came across the Midnight Dark Red from the Ménage à Trois winery. It is a full-bodied wine that makes an excellent alternative to the Apothic Crush.
The wine is a delicious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot grapes that give this wine a different taste profile from the Crush.
Plus, it has more intense tannins and acidity than the Crush, making it a good option for heavy beef dishes like beef steaks. In comparison, the Crush is delicious with lightly flavored dishes.
Pros
- Highly quaffable with fruit-forward flavors
- It pairs well with various light dishes
- Moderate tannins and well-balanced finish
Cons
- Contains sulfites
- The touch of sweetness may not suit fans of very dry reds
- It has limited food pairing
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apothic Crush red wine sweet?
It is not a dessert wine, but it tastes softer and slightly sweeter than most dry red blends. The finish is smooth, with fruit, caramel and chocolate notes.
How do you drink the Apothic Crush wine?
Serve it at cool room temperature or slightly chilled. The Crush is typically ready to drink when opened, unlike the Apothic Red, which requires a little time to aerate.
Chilling the wine brings out the fruity flavors, and you will enjoy drinking it more than if you drank it at room temperature. Ultimately, how you drink your Apothic Crush is a matter of personal preference.
How long does the Apothic Crush last when opened?
Most red wines keep for about 3-5 days once opened. Recork Apothic Crush to slow oxidation and store it in the fridge or a cool, dark place.
Conclusion
To conclude my Apothic Crush red blend review, if you have tried any of the other wines from the Apothic Winery, you may find that this blend makes a great everyday sipper.
However, while this wine pairs well with some light dishes, it performs better as a standalone wine. It is also a good pick for drinkers who want a soft, smooth red rather than a bold, tannic one.
Sources
- Apothic Crush Red Wine Blend, Apothic Wines
- Our Wines, Apothic Wines
