A by Acacia Red Blend

A by Acacia Red Blend is a Rhône-style California red wine bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Built on a Syrah backbone with Grenache, Mourvèdre, and a splash of Viognier, this blend earned a Silver medal at the 2013 Dan Berger's International Wine Competition for its 2011 vintage and has scored up to 88/100 on Wine-Searcher aggregate ratings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: California, USA (Central Coast AVA & Borden Ranch AVA, Lodi)  |  Style: Rhône-Style Red Blend  |  Producer: Acacia Vineyard (est. 1979)

Production & Heritage

Acacia Vineyard was established in 1979 and is best known for its Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making the "A" red blend an intriguing departure from the winery's flagship portfolio. The wine draws fruit from both the Central Coast AVA and the Borden Ranch sub-appellation within Lodi, blending warm-climate ripeness with moderate coastal influence. Syrah forms the structural core, Grenache contributes bright red-fruit lift, Mourvèdre adds spice and depth, and a small measure of Viognier — a classic Rhône co-ferment technique — elevates the aromatics and rounds the texture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich dark cherry and ripe plum lead into layers of raspberry and sun-warmed red rose petal. Underneath, fragrant oak spice and a faint mocha undertone emerge as the wine opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with vibrant red cherry and blackberry meeting a mid-palate of plum and vanilla. Velvety tannins frame the fruit without overwhelming it, and the Grenache component keeps the wine's acidity bright and balanced through the peak.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering berry and soft spice that trails off cleanly. A gentle mocha note from the Mourvèdre rounds out the close.

How to Drink A by Acacia

This blend drinks well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — and opens up nicely with fifteen minutes in a wide-bowled glass. It is versatile enough for both casual sipping and cocktail-style wine applications.

• Red Wine Sangria: The bold berry fruit and moderate tannin hold up well against citrus, brandy, and fresh fruit additions.
• Kalimotxo: The wine's dark plum sweetness and soft structure make it surprisingly effective in this classic Spanish red wine and cola combination.
• Mulled Wine: Warm spice notes in the Mourvèdre component complement cinnamon, clove, and orange peel without turning bitter.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a food-friendly, fruit-driven red
• Introducing Rhône-style blends to friends who typically drink single-varietal wines
• Casual backyard gatherings where approachability matters more than formality
• Building a side-by-side tasting of California GSM blends versus French Côtes du Rhône

Frequently Asked Questions

What does A by Acacia taste like? A by Acacia delivers bright red cherry, ripe plum, and raspberry flavors supported by velvety tannins and touches of vanilla and mocha. It is fruit-forward and medium-bodied, leaning toward an approachable, juicy style of red blend.

How does A by Acacia compare to a traditional Côtes du Rhône? Both are Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre blends, but A by Acacia sources warm-climate California fruit, resulting in riper, more overtly fruity flavors compared to the earthy, herbal character typical of southern Rhône wines. The addition of Viognier is a technique borrowed from the northern Rhône (Côte-Rôtie) rather than the southern appellations.

Is A by Acacia good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and moderate 13.5% ABV make it an accessible entry point into Rhône-style blends without the tannic grip or high alcohol that can challenge newer red wine drinkers.

Where is A by Acacia made? A by Acacia is produced by Acacia Vineyard, a California winery founded in 1979. The grapes for this blend are sourced from vineyards in the Central Coast AVA and the Borden Ranch sub-AVA within the Lodi region of California's Central Valley.

What foods pair well with A by Acacia? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's spice and berry fruit. Roasted eggplant or ratatouille mirrors the blend's Provençal roots. Pulled pork with a tomato-based barbecue sauce matches the wine's sweet fruit and soft tannins. Aged Gouda provides a nutty counterpoint to the plum and cherry notes. Herbed roast chicken works well with the wine's medium body and bright acidity.

What sizes does A by Acacia come in? A by Acacia Red Blend is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is A by Acacia worth the price? A by Acacia positions as an everyday-value California red blend, sitting in the entry-level tier for Rhône-style wines. Its multi-appellation sourcing, four-grape blend, and Silver medal pedigree at the Dan Berger's International Wine Competition offer solid quality for the price point.

Why A by Acacia?

What distinguishes this blend is Acacia Vineyard's decision to apply a classic Rhône co-ferment approach — the addition of Viognier to a Syrah-led red — within a California context, drawing fruit from two distinct AVAs to build complexity at an accessible price. The 2011 vintage's Silver medal at Dan Berger's International Wine Competition and an 88-point aggregate score on Wine-Searcher confirm the wine punches above its weight class. For drinkers curious about GSM-style blends but not ready for the premium tier, A by Acacia serves as a well-made, genuine introduction to the style. It reflects a winery better known for cool-climate Pinot Noir stepping confidently into warm-climate Rhône territory.