90+ Cellars Cotes De Provence 132

This is a dry-style rosé from 90+ Cellars, listed under the Côtes de Provence 132 name with California given as its origin and an alcohol level of 13.0%. The name points to the pale, savory Provence template. In that style, the wine is usually made from red grapes pressed gently, so it takes on only a faint salmon-pink or pale orange tint. The listing doesn't name the grapes, so expect the profile that style usually has rather than a specific blend. On the palate, wines in this mold are light-bodied and built on acidity. Expect tart red berries such as strawberry and raspberry, a squeeze of citrus, and perhaps a stony or herbal edge. Tannin is normally close to absent in rosé of this type, and oak is rarely part of the picture. The finish tends to be short and clean, which suits a wine meant to refresh. At 13% ABV it sits in the middle of the usual range for dry rosé, so it shouldn't feel heavy or warm. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F, which keeps the acidity crisp and the fruit bright. A couple of hours in the refrigerator or about thirty minutes in an ice bucket will get it there. It doesn't need decanting; just pour it. A standard white wine glass with a moderate bowl works well. It concentrates the delicate aromas without letting them fade, and it keeps the wine cool in the hand. For food, lean toward things that match its lightness. Grilled shrimp, niçoise-style salads with tuna and olives, goat cheese, roasted vegetables, and herb-roasted chicken all suit this style. It also handles light Mediterranean dishes with garlic and tomato, and it works well with sushi and summer salads. It is also pleasant on its own as an aperitif. This is a drink-now bottle. Rosé of this kind is made for freshness, so it is best enjoyed within a year or two of release, while the fruit is lively. It isn't intended for cellaring.