Dolly 25 Sancerre

Dolly 25 Sancerre is listed under French whites, but its origin is given as Massachusetts, United States, and the producer is Esplanda. The name points to Sancerre, the Loire Valley appellation built on Sauvignon Blanc, so the best guide to what's in the glass is that style. This listing doesn't state the grape, vintage or ABV, so treat what follows as what wines in this mold usually deliver, not a measured profile. Expect a dry, light-to-medium-bodied white with high acidity and no tannin to speak of. Sancerre-style wines typically show citrus (grapefruit, lime, lemon zest), green apple or gooseberry, and a flinty or chalky mineral edge, sometimes with a grassy or herbal note. Oak is rarely a factor, since the style relies on stainless steel for clarity. The finish is usually clean and fairly short to medium, with the acidity leaving the palate refreshed. That acidity makes it a natural match for goat cheese, the classic regional pairing, and for oysters, shellfish, grilled white fish and ceviche. It also suits salads with vinaigrette, asparagus, green herbs and lemon-dressed dishes, which can overwhelm softer whites. Fresh chèvre, chicken with tarragon, or a simple sushi spread would all work. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Colder numbs the aromatics and warmer flattens the acidity. Decanting isn't needed. Pour it straight from the bottle into a medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly tapered rim, which concentrates the citrus and herbal aromas without letting them fade. Wines of this kind are generally made for drinking young, while the fruit and acidity are at their liveliest. Unless you have more information from the producer, plan to open it within a year or two of purchase rather than cellar it.