I Lauri Chiola Cerasuolo

I Lauri Chiola Cerasuolo is listed as a red wine from Massachusetts, though it is filed under Italian reds. The name points to the Italian style: "cerasuolo" means cherry-colored, and in Italy it usually describes a light-to-medium red or deep rosé-leaning wine, often built on Montepulciano in Abruzzo or on Nero d'Avola and Frappato in Sicily. The listing doesn't name the grape, vintage or alcohol level, so check the label for those. Wines labeled this way generally show bright red cherry and red plum fruit, sometimes with dried herb or a light peppery note. Expect moderate body, soft to medium tannin, and fresh acidity. Oak, if used at all, is normally restrained. A style like this is easiest to enjoy with a slight chill. Aim for roughly 55 to 60°F, which you can reach by leaving the bottle in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before opening. Decanting shouldn't be necessary. If the first pour seems tight, ten minutes in the glass will usually loosen it. A standard red wine glass with a moderate bowl is enough, and it keeps the fruit and acidity in balance. At the table, the acidity suits tomato-based pasta, pizza, grilled sausages, roast chicken, and salumi or semi-hard cheeses such as provolone or pecorino. It also handles grilled vegetables and eggplant dishes well. Treat it as a bottle to drink soon after purchase. Light, fruit-forward reds like this are typically made for freshness rather than long cellaring.