While some wine drinkers parse complicated terms and dissect every flavor component in the glass, other people just want to enjoy a good, approachable wine. Whether enjoyed after a long work week or sipped slowly while eating a delicious dinner, that versatility is key to wanting to start a taste discovery. Apothic Wines, in collaboration with Chef Olivia Tiedemann, filled the table with flavorful food and invited everyone to savor the experience.
Pairing food and wine can create confusion. While some people believe that flavors should compliment each other, others look for a bold contrasting note. The varying paths can have drinkers wondering if they should put down the corkscrew and just pick up that cold lager.
Choosing a great wine does not have to be that complicated. It is more than being captivated by a pretty label or a celebrity connection. Once a drinker finds a brand that offers versatility as well as approachability, it remains a staple in the wine fridge.
Speaking about the Apothic Your Signature Taste campaign, Apothic’s VP of Marketing Beth Orozco explained, “At Apothic, we believe discovering your signature taste is about celebrating the journey to find what truly resonates with you.” Instead of falling into a trap of being told what to like or following a formula, it is time to pour a conversation about what the wine means to the individual, not just the masses.
Someone who never apologizes for her personal opinions and approach to food is Chef Olivia Tiedemann. While her signature style and sometimes brash word choice might get grandma to blush, she epitomizes a characteristic that is essential to this campaign. She is confident in her opinions and is not swayed by just following the masses.
During a conversation with Chef Olivia, she offered some insight on her collaboration with Apothic wine, her thoughts on wine pairings, and advice on cooking. While the wine’s brand campaign applies to all ages, Chef Olivia appreciates how the concept can resonate with her generation.
Specifically, Chef Olivia said, “I think that a lot of people my age have a hard time with wine and don’t know which types of wine to purchase. Without a huge budget, there are great day-to-day wines that are perfect for a dinner party” or whenever the mood hits. She believes that drinkers want those options, and Apothic delivers those choices.
When considering some recipes that highlight the wine brand’s versatility, she looked beyond the traditional rules. For example, poultry does not always have to be served with white wine. In one of her dishes, the classic Apothic Red pairs beautifully with chicken.
That particular recipe, Seared Chicken with Apple Cider Au Jus and Herb Polenta, is familiar yet exciting. Chef Olivia explained that adding citrus or jams to sauces not only adds a bright note but makes the dish feel a little elevated. Those simple swaps bring a punch of flavor to a traditional dish. Easy, manageable, and approachable are all descriptions that a home cook can appreciate.
At the same time, this dish, like the whole Apothic campaign, is about understanding what the individual likes. One person’s signature taste is not necessarily the same as the person sitting across the table. Everyone can, and should, have their own preferences. There can be commonalities, but no one has to compromise on their preferences.
Since Chef Olivia has had highs and lows through her culinary journey, she has come to appreciate that mistakes are just as important as successes. She explained, “when I started my first kitchen job, I wanted to be really good at it. I wanted to master just one thing.”
Over time, she took a different approach and embraced learning from mistakes. She found that “the system of trying, being interested, willing to learn, and willing to try” was the best way to be open to that journey.
In many ways, that concept is key to the Apothic Signature Taste campaign. Some food and wine combinations will be a flavor symphony with a perfect crescendo. Others will just meander along without any high note. It does not mean that one is far superior to the other. But, both scenarios find the harmony in the moment.
An Apothic wine incorporated into a rich red pasta sauce is just as delicious as enjoying a glass with classic cheesecake smothered in a rich berry sauce. Or, the wine does not need a food pairing at all. The approachability and versatility make it a wine that all drinkers can appreciate every time it is opened.
No matter how the wine is served, the bold, unapologetic wine deserves a moment to savor, contemplate, and make its mark. This scarlet A label is a symbol of pride and denotes timeless craftsmanship that allows the drinker to choose their own path to delicious enjoyment.