Ch. Hauts De Fontaneau White

This is a white blend from Massachusetts, so it comes from a cool-climate East Coast growing region rather than a warm one. The label doesn't list the grape varieties, vintage, or alcohol level, so the notes below describe what blends from this region usually offer, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a light to medium body, bright acidity, and little to no oak. Fruit is typically orchard and citrus, such as green apple, pear, and lemon, sometimes with a floral or stone-fruit note from aromatic grapes in the mix. Tannin is not a factor in whites like this, and the finish tends to be crisp and fairly short to medium in length. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Cold enough to keep the acidity lively, but not so cold that the aromatics shut down. A couple of hours in the refrigerator, or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket, usually gets it there. It doesn't need decanting. Pour it into a standard white wine glass with a moderately narrow bowl, which concentrates the fruit and floral aromas and keeps the wine cool in the glass. Its acidity and light build suit simple, salty, or briny food. Steamed or fried shellfish, a New England-style fish fry, oysters, and grilled white fish all fit, as do goat cheese salads, fresh herbs, and lemon-dressed vegetables. It also works with mild Asian dishes and light chicken preparations. Heavy cream sauces and strongly spiced red-meat dishes will overpower it. Treat this as a drink-now bottle. Whites in this style are made for freshness, and extra cellar time is unlikely to add complexity. Drink it within a year or two of purchase, and keep it cool and out of direct light until you serve it.