Gemma Di Luna Moscato

Gemma Di Luna Moscato is a Massachusetts-appellation wine from the Esplanda label. The name points to the Moscato style, so expect the profile that style usually has. That means a lightly aromatic white with orange blossom, peach, apricot and a hint of honeysuckle, and a soft, fruit-forward palate. Moscatos like this are typically low in tannin, with a gentle sweetness balanced by moderate acidity, and they rarely see oak. The finish is usually short, clean and floral. Check the label for the exact sweetness level, ABV and vintage, since those details aren't listed here. Serve it well chilled, around 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). A couple of hours in the refrigerator or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket will do it. Cold temperatures keep the sweetness in check and the aromatics lively. It doesn't need decanting. Opening the bottle and pouring is enough, and extra air would only dull the perfume. A standard white wine glass with a modest bowl works well. A slightly tapered rim gathers the blossom and stone-fruit aromas better than a wide tumbler does. At the table, wines in this style suit foods that bring salt, spice or acidity to offset the sweetness. Think fresh or aged soft cheeses, prosciutto with melon, spicy Thai or Szechuan dishes, and fruit tarts or almond cake. It also works as an aperitif or alongside brunch pastries and a fruit plate. This is a drink-now bottle. Light, aromatic whites like Moscato are made for freshness rather than cellaring, and their floral and fruit character fades with time. Keep it cool and out of direct light, and plan to open it within a year or so of purchase. Once opened, reseal it and keep it in the refrigerator for two to three days at most.