Maison Marcel Rose

Maison Marcel Rosé is a Massachusetts-appellation rosé from the producer Esplanda. The grape blend, vintage and exact tasting profile aren't specified, so what follows is what dry rosés from cool-climate New England fruit usually deliver. Expect pale salmon to light pink color, with aromas of strawberry, red currant and watermelon rind, sometimes a little citrus zest. Cooler growing regions tend to give rosé higher acidity and a lighter body. The palate is typically crisp and fresh, with little to no tannin and no oak influence. The finish is dry and short to medium. Check the bottle label for the vintage and the sweetness level. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). That's about two to three hours in a refrigerator, or 30 minutes in an ice bucket. Colder than that mutes the fruit, and warmer makes a high-acid wine taste sharp. There's no need to decant. Pull the cork or cap and pour. A standard white wine glass with a slightly tapered rim works well, because it holds the aromatics without letting the wine warm quickly in your hand. Rosé in this style is built for the table. It suits New England seafood especially well: steamed clams, fried calamari, lobster rolls, seared scallops and chilled shrimp. The acidity cuts through butter and frying oil. It also works with salads that have goat cheese or fresh berries, charcuterie, grilled chicken, and lightly spiced dishes such as Thai or Vietnamese noodle salads. Bright acidity and low alcohol-driven weight keep it from overpowering delicate flavors. Treat this as a drink-now bottle. Rosé is made for freshness, and its fruit and acidity are at their best within a year or two of the vintage. Cellaring won't improve it. Once opened, reseal it and keep it in the refrigerator, and it should hold up for two to three days.