Fantini Montepulciano

Fantini Montepulciano is listed here as a Massachusetts wine from Esplanda, and the listing carries two style signals that point in different directions. The name refers to Montepulciano, normally a red grape, while the category is filed under Chardonnay, a white. No vintage, ABV, or tasting notes were supplied, so what follows is guidance by style, not a measured profile of this bottle. Check the label for the grape before you serve it. If the bottle is the Chardonnay the category suggests, expect a dry white with orchard-fruit character such as apple and pear, medium body, and moderate acidity. Cool-climate New England versions often lean crisp and lightly oaked, and some show a touch of toast or butter if they saw barrel or malolactic conversion. Serve it at about 8 to 10°C (46 to 50°F), colder if it is unoaked and leaner. It does not need decanting. A medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly tapered rim will gather the aromas. Roast chicken, seared scallops, lobster with drawn butter, and creamy pasta are all natural partners. Most wines in this style are best enjoyed within a few years of release. If the label confirms Montepulciano, expect a medium-to-full-bodied red with dark plum and black cherry fruit, soft tannins, and moderate acidity. Serve it at about 16 to 18°C (60 to 65°F) in a standard red wine glass. Thirty minutes in a decanter or open in the glass will loosen it up. It suits tomato-based pasta, grilled sausages, and aged hard cheeses, and it is generally a drink-now red.