Red Wines

Red wine is delicious fermented grape juice taking months, if not years to produce the perfect balance of sweetness, freshness, tannin and alcohol. Starting out as grapes grown in beautiful vineyards these perfect bundles of sugar-rich juice with high levels of fresh acidity and powdery yeast clinging to their skins are just waiting for the opportunity to be crushed and fermented. Red wine’s rich red color comes from maceration, a technique which involves crushing the grapes and allowing them to essentially marinate and extract all that the grape skins have to offer. As the crushed grapes begin to ferment, they create the feel-good juice also known as alcohol. Once fermentation is complete, typically red wines are transferred to oak barrels which allows for further growth and maturity to occur. After careful evaluation, racking and tasting, the winemaker deems this lovely liquid is now a finished wine. Red wine varies widely in style, there are over a thousand different grape varieties, vastly different vineyards, and a range of unique practices in the actual wineries themselves all working together to create the glorious liquid you find in your glass. Out of the many grape varieties only a small handful are commercially produced ranging from robust and full-bodied expressions to light, quaffable, and dangerously easy to drink.

Founder Herb Becker opened the store in 1961, & moved it to the current location in 1974. Herb sold the store to Alan Freis, current owner Jim Shpall's father-in-law, in 1980. In 1994, Freis talked his son-in-law into co-ownership. Since Jim Shpall's entry into the business, Applejack has spread in square footage like an amoeba. It's now between 80,000 and 100,000 square feet. Applejack is one of the largest single liquor stores in the country focused on great prices & massive selection. Today, with so many exciting tastes to savor, sip, pair & share, the fun of discovery starts at Applejack. For large celebrations, simple moments, & every occasion in between, Applejack is where the fun of exploration fuels your celebration.