Clos Marsalette Pessac 18

Clos Marsalette Pessac 18 is a wine from Esplanda, listed under a Massachusetts appellation in the United States. The name borrows from Bordeaux's Pessac district, but the origin on record here is Massachusetts. The listing doesn't name the grape, the style, the alcohol level or whether the "18" refers to a vintage, so the notes below describe what to look for rather than a measured profile. Check the label for the grape and year before choosing a dish. If the label shows a red in a Bordeaux-leaning style, expect dark fruit such as blackcurrant or plum, moderate tannin and a savory, earthy edge. Serve it at about 16 to 18°C, which is cellar temperature and slightly cooler than most rooms. Pour it into a large-bowled red wine glass, and give it 30 to 45 minutes open or a brief decant if it seems tight at first. Grilled steak, roast lamb, mushroom dishes and aged hard cheeses suit that profile. If the label shows a white or rosé, serve it at 8 to 10°C in a medium tulip glass with no decanting. In that case, roast chicken, shellfish or soft cheeses are the natural matches. Unless the label points to a structured, age-worthy red, plan to open it soon.