Clos Erasmus 18 Laurel

Clos Erasmus 18 Laurel is a Massachusetts wine from the Esplanda label. The details on file don't name the grape, the colour or the vintage, so this description doesn't state a specific tasting profile. What can be said with confidence is what the region usually produces. Massachusetts is a cool, maritime growing area, and its wines tend to be lean and high in acidity, with modest alcohol and more fresh-fruit character than weight. Expect orchard and red-berry fruit rather than jammy ripeness. Oak, if used, is typically restrained, and tannins in reds are usually soft to medium. Serving follows from that profile. If the bottle turns out to be white or rosé, chill it to about 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C), pour it into a medium-sized tulip or all-purpose white wine glass, and don't decant. If it is red, serve it lightly cool at about 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C) in a standard red wine glass, which gives the fruit room without making it seem heavy. A short decant of 20 to 30 minutes is optional and mostly helps a red that smells closed when first poured. Cool-climate New England bottlings are usually made for the next year or two rather than long cellaring. Treat this one as a drink-now bottle unless the label says otherwise. Food pairings follow the same logic of high acidity and moderate body. Wines like this work well with New England seafood such as steamed clams, baked haddock, scallops and chowder. They also suit roast chicken, pork loin, soft cow's-milk cheeses and dishes built on apples, squash or herbs. Check the label for grape and vintage before pairing with anything strongly spiced or heavily sauced.