Frontera Chardonnay

Frontera Chardonnay is a Massachusetts-labeled American Chardonnay in the 750ml bottle. The producer and exact vintage aren't specified, so what follows describes what to expect from the style rather than a measured profile. Chardonnay in this category usually shows orchard and stone fruit, such as green apple, pear and peach. Riper versions tend toward pineapple or melon. Body generally runs from medium to full. Acidity is moderate to crisp, which keeps the fruit from tasting heavy. Chardonnay has no real tannin, so the structure comes from acid and texture. If the wine saw oak, expect hints of vanilla, toast or baked spice, and possibly a rounder, creamier mouthfeel. If it was fermented in steel, expect a leaner, cleaner profile. The finish in this style is typically medium in length, with fruit fading into a light buttery or mineral note. At the table, a medium-bodied white like this suits dishes with some richness. Roast chicken, pan-seared scallops, lobster with drawn butter and creamy pasta such as fettuccine Alfredo all work well. New England seafood is a natural fit given the bottle's regional label. Think baked haddock, clam chowder or a crab roll. Soft cheeses like brie, Havarti and mild cheddar work, as do corn, squash and mushroom dishes. Skip very spicy food and heavily acidic sauces, which can flatten the wine's fruit. Serve it chilled but not ice-cold, ideally around 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F). About 90 minutes in the refrigerator, or 20 minutes in an ice bath, gets it there. Straight from a very cold fridge, the aromas stay muted. Decanting isn't needed for a bottle like this. Pouring it into the glass and letting it warm a few degrees is enough. A standard white wine glass with a slightly wider bowl suits Chardonnay, since the extra surface area helps the aromas open up. A tulip-shaped glass is a good alternative if you want to keep the fruit more focused. Most Chardonnays at this level are made to be enjoyed within a few years of release rather than cellared, so plan to drink this bottle now. Once opened, recork it and refrigerate. It should hold its character for two to three days.