Klinker Brick 1850 Red Wine

Klinker Brick 1850 is a red blend from Massachusetts, bottled under the Esplanda label. The listing doesn't name the grape varieties or the percentages in the blend, so the character below is what red blends from a cool New England appellation usually show, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a medium-bodied red with red and dark berry fruit, fairly bright acidity, and moderate tannin. Wines grown in this climate tend to be fresher and lighter-framed than blends from warmer regions. Oak, where used, is typically a background note of spice or toast. Because acidity and moderate tannin are the usual structure here, the bottle suits food better than it suits sipping alone. Roast chicken, pork loin, burgers, meatloaf, tomato-based pastas and baked ziti are all sensible matches. So are mushroom dishes and mild to medium cheeses such as cheddar or Gouda. Very spicy or heavily sweet dishes will clash with a wine like this, and a big, fatty ribeye would likely overwhelm it. Serve it lightly cool, around 60 to 65°F. About 20 minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually brings a room-temperature bottle to that range. Decanting isn't necessary for a blend in this style. If the first pour seems tight, 15 to 20 minutes of air in the glass is enough. A standard all-purpose red wine glass or a medium Bordeaux-style glass gives the fruit room to open without exaggerating the alcohol. Treat this as a drink-now bottle. Nothing in the details points to a wine built for long cellaring, and red blends at this style are generally best enjoyed within a few years of release. Store it on its side in a cool, dark place until you open it.