Mason Parel Vendanges

Mason Parel Vendanges is a Massachusetts wine, and that is nearly all the listing specifies. The grape, vintage, sweetness level and alcohol content aren't stated, so the notes below describe what to expect from New England wines generally, not a measured profile of this bottle. "Vendanges" is the French word for the grape harvest, but the name alone doesn't show whether this is dry, off-dry or late-picked. Check the back label before building a meal around it. Wines from Massachusetts' cool, maritime climate tend to be lean and bright. Expect moderate to high acidity, fairly light body, restrained alcohol and little new-oak influence. If the bottle is a white or rosé, expect crisp orchard-fruit character with a clean, fairly short finish. If it is a red, expect lighter-bodied wine with red-berry fruit and gentle tannin. For food, high-acid wines of this kind suit New England seafood such as steamed clams, baked haddock or a lobster roll. Roast chicken, soft cheeses and lightly dressed salads are also good matches. If it turns out to be a red, pork, mushroom dishes and roasted root vegetables would be a better fit. Serve whites and rosés at about 7–10°C (45–50°F). For a light red, 12–14°C (54–57°F) works well, which means about 20 minutes in the refrigerator before opening. Decanting is unlikely to be needed. A standard all-purpose wine glass is the right choice for any style. Most regional wines like this are made to be opened within a couple of years of release, so treat it as a drink-now bottle unless the label says otherwise.