Poggio Costa Rose Prosecco

Poggio Costa Rose Prosecco is a rosé sparkling wine made by Esplanda in Massachusetts. The label and category don't give a grape blend, dosage level, ABV or vintage, so what follows describes the style as these wines usually behave. Pink sparkling wines in the Prosecco mould are typically fresh and fruit-led rather than yeasty or toasty. Expect red berry character such as strawberry, raspberry and red cherry, possibly with a floral or citrus-zest note. The body should be light, the acidity bright, and there should be no oak or noticeable tannin. The bubbles are usually lively and the finish short and clean, with a hint of sweetness in extra dry or off-dry versions. That profile suits food with some salt and fat. Prosciutto and melon, fried calamari, tempura vegetables and soft cheeses like burrata or fresh mozzarella all work well, because the acidity and bubbles cut through richness. Spicy Thai and Vietnamese dishes, sushi rolls and charcuterie boards also pair well with a lightly fruity rosé. If the bottle turns out to carry some residual sugar, a plate of strawberries or a not-too-sweet fruit tart would also go with it. It is also easy to drink on its own. Serve it well chilled, around 42 to 46°F (6 to 8°C), which means roughly three hours in the refrigerator or thirty minutes in an ice bucket of half ice and half water. Colder than that mutes the fruit, and warmer than that makes the bubbles coarse and the wine taste flabby. Don't decant it, because that would only let the carbonation escape. Pour it into a tulip-shaped white wine glass or a small universal glass. A tall flute keeps the fizz longer but gives the fruit less room to open up. Hold the bottle at an angle and ease the cork out gently to keep the foam under control. Treat this as a drink-now bottle. Light, fresh sparkling rosés are made for the fruit and the bubbles, and they rarely gain anything from extra years in the cellar. Keep it upright or on its side in a cool, dark place until you are ready to chill it. Once opened, a proper sparkling wine stopper will keep it drinkable for a day, though it is best finished the same evening.