90 Plus Beaujolais Village

90 Plus Beaujolais Village is listed under French red wines, though the producer is shown as Esplanda with a Massachusetts, United States origin. The name points to the Beaujolais-Villages style, so the notes below describe how that style usually behaves, not a measured profile of this bottle. Beaujolais is built on the Gamay grape. Expect a light to medium-bodied red with bright red and dark berry fruit such as cherry, raspberry and cranberry, sometimes with a floral lift. Tannin is typically soft and low. Acidity is lively, which is what makes these wines taste fresh and juicy. Oak is rarely a factor, so the fruit stays in front and the finish is usually short to medium, clean and slightly tart. That profile suits food that would overwhelm a heavier red. Roast chicken, charcuterie, pâté, terrines and soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert are natural matches. So are grilled sausages, pork chops and mushroom dishes. The acidity also handles tomato-based pasta and a plain burger. Salmon and tuna in a red-wine or mustard sauce are workable fish options. Serve it cooler than most reds, at roughly 12 to 14°C (54 to 57°F). Thirty minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets it there. Decanting isn't needed for wines in this style, though pouring it into a glass and letting it sit a few minutes can open the fruit. A standard red wine glass with a moderately wide bowl works well, and a Burgundy-style glass gives the aromatics extra room. Treat this as a drink-now bottle. Wines in the Beaujolais-Villages style are made for freshness and are generally best within a couple of years of release. They are not usually cellared. Check the bottle label for the vintage and any producer notes on origin.