Manon Rose

Manon Rosé is a 750ml rosé from Massachusetts. That points to a cool-climate, New England growing region, where rosés tend toward lean, crisp styles. The label details here don't name the grape blend, vintage or alcohol level, so what follows describes what to expect from a Massachusetts rosé rather than a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a pale to medium pink wine with red-berry fruit such as strawberry, raspberry and red currant. There may be a little citrus peel or melon on the nose. Rosés from cooler regions usually have a light to medium body and brisk acidity. Tannin is negligible because the skins are removed early, and oak is rarely part of the style, so the finish is typically clean and fairly short. If the bottle leans slightly off-dry, the acidity should still keep it fresh instead of sweet. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F, which is about two to three hours in a refrigerator or thirty minutes in an ice bucket. Colder than that mutes the fruit, and warmer makes the wine feel soft. It does not need decanting, since opening and pouring is enough. A standard white wine glass or a tulip-shaped glass with a modest bowl keeps the berry aromas concentrated without letting them fade as the wine warms. The acidity makes it a natural match for New England seafood: steamed clams, fried calamari, lobster rolls, and oysters on the half shell. It also suits salads with goat cheese, charcuterie, grilled chicken and light summer pasta. Its freshness stands up to mildly spicy dishes, such as shrimp tacos with a bit of heat. Treat this as a drink-now bottle. Most rosé is made to be enjoyed within a year or two of release, while the fruit is bright, and there is no reason to cellar it.