Clos Du Mont Chateau 18

Clos Du Mont Chateau 18 is a red wine listed under the French red category and produced under the Esplanda label, with a Massachusetts appellation on record. The listing doesn't name the grape or blend, the vintage or the alcohol level, so the notes below describe what red wines in this French-influenced style usually offer, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect dark red or black fruit, a medium to medium-full body, moderate tannin and enough acidity to keep the wine fresh at the table. Whether it saw oak, and how much, isn't stated. If it did, light spice or cedar would be the likely result. The most reliable pairings for a red like this are roast chicken, grilled sausages, braised beef, mushroom dishes and hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or Gruyère. Tomato-based pasta also works, because the acidity matches the sauce. Very spicy dishes and delicate white fish tend to overwhelm a red of this weight. Serve it slightly cool, around 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C). The easy way to get there is about 20 minutes in the refrigerator before opening. A general-purpose red wine glass with a wide bowl is the right choice. If the first pour smells tight or closed, 20 to 30 minutes open in the glass, or a short pass through a decanter, will help it loosen up. Without a stated vintage or producer guidance on cellaring, treat it as a bottle to drink now, and don't plan to age it.