Andre Blush Champagne

Andre Blush Champagne is a pink sparkling wine made in Massachusetts by Esplanda. The details on file give no grape blend, dosage level, vintage, or alcohol percentage, so the notes below describe what blush sparkling wines in this style usually offer, not a measured profile for this bottle. Expect a pale salmon to light pink color, fine to moderate bubbles, and a fruit-forward character built around strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and a little citrus peel. Wines in this category tend to be light to medium in body, with a soft, rounded mid-palate and little to no tannin. Oak is rarely a factor, so the flavors should stay clean and fruity. Acidity is typically bright enough to keep the finish fresh, and the finish itself is usually short to moderate and fruity. The name uses "Champagne," but the bottle is a Massachusetts sparkling wine, so it belongs with domestic sparkling wines and not with wines from France's Champagne region. Judge it against other American blush bubbles: easy-drinking, fruit-driven, and made to be enjoyed young. Serve it well chilled, at about 40 to 46°F (4 to 8°C). That is roughly three hours in the refrigerator, or 30 minutes in an ice bucket with water and ice. Do not decant it, because that would let the bubbles escape. Open it gently by holding the cork and twisting the bottle. A tulip-shaped flute or a white wine glass works best. The tulip shape keeps the bubbles lively, and the wider white wine glass lets the berry aromas show. Once opened, the bottle is best finished that day. A sparkling-wine stopper will hold the fizz for a day or so at most. This is a drink-now bottle. Blush sparkling wines are made for freshness, and keeping one for years will not improve it. Store it upright or on its side in a cool, dark place and open it within a year or so of purchase. At the table, the acidity and light sweetness expected from this style go well with salty, fried and spicy foods: prosciutto and melon, fried chicken, shrimp cocktail, sushi rolls, spicy Thai dishes and soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. It also works with brunch dishes such as smoked salmon, quiche and fruit tarts. Mixed into a mimosa-style drink with orange or grapefruit juice, it adds color and a light sparkle.