Chateau L'Anglican Muscadet

Chateau L'Anglican Muscadet is a dry white wine listed in the French white category, with Massachusetts given as its state of origin and Esplanda as its producer. The details supplied don't include a vintage, grape declaration, alcohol level or tasting notes. What follows describes the Muscadet style in general, so treat it as what to expect and not as a measured profile of this bottle. Muscadet is traditionally made from Melon de Bourgogne, and wines in this style are usually light-bodied, bone-dry and high in acidity. Expect green apple, lemon peel and wet stone, sometimes with a faint salty or briny edge. Oak is rarely part of the picture. Tannin is effectively absent, and the finish is typically short, clean and refreshing. If the label mentions "sur lie," that means the wine rested on its yeast lees, which usually adds a little texture and a hint of bread dough or almond. Muscadet is known as the classic match for oysters and other raw shellfish. It also suits steamed mussels, clams in white wine and garlic, grilled white fish with lemon, and fried calamari. The acidity cuts through butter and cream sauces, so moules marinière and seafood chowder work well. Soft goat cheese and simple salads with vinaigrette are good matches too. Avoid heavy, spicy or tomato-rich dishes, which will overwhelm a wine this delicate. Serve it well chilled, around 7 to 10°C (45 to 50°F). A couple of hours in the refrigerator, or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket, is enough. It needs no decanting, and opening the bottle and pouring is all it takes. A standard white wine glass with a moderate bowl keeps the citrus and mineral aromas focused. A narrower flute-shaped glass also works. Wines in this style are generally made to drink young, within a couple of years of release, while the acidity and fruit are bright. Unless the producer says otherwise, treat this as a bottle to open soon and not one to cellar.