Barefoot Rose

Barefoot Rosé in a four-pack is a Massachusetts-labeled rosé, which puts it in the easy, fruit-forward end of the pink wine spectrum. The details we have don't give a grape blend, vintage or alcohol level, so the notes here describe what rosés of this type usually offer, not a measured profile of this bottling. Expect a pale-to-medium pink color, aromas of strawberry, red cherry and watermelon, and a light body with a soft, slightly fruity palate. Wines in this style typically carry little or no tannin and no oak influence. Acidity is moderate and the finish short and clean, so it reads as refreshing, not structured. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C), which is about three hours in a refrigerator or thirty minutes in an ice bath. At that range the fruit stays bright and any sweetness stays in balance. Warmer than about 55°F, wines like this tend to taste flat and a little sugary. It needs no decanting. Pour it straight from the bottle, and if a bottle is left over, recork it and keep it cold. A standard white wine glass with a modest bowl is the practical choice. It holds the fruity aromas and keeps the wine cool longer than a wide red wine glass. Stemless tumblers also work for casual outdoor drinking. At the table, a rosé like this suits foods that are salty, lightly spicy or a little sweet. Good matches include grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, shrimp skewers, burgers, pizza with tomato and basil, fresh mozzarella salads, and charcuterie with melon. Mild Thai or Vietnamese dishes and sushi rolls work as well, since the fruit and moderate acidity ease off chili and soy. Very rich, heavily sauced or strongly tannic dishes tend to overwhelm a wine this light. This is a drink-now wine. The four-pack format suits picnics, cookouts and tastings where several bottles are being opened over an afternoon. Keep the bottles upright or on their sides in a cool, dark place until they go into the refrigerator.