Segura Viudas Brut Rose

This is a brut rosé sparkling wine, listed under the Massachusetts appellation in the United States. Brut means dry, so expect little perceptible sweetness. The pink color generally comes from red grapes, either through brief skin contact or a small addition of red wine. The details supplied don't name the grape blend or give an ABV, so the notes below describe what the style usually delivers and are not a measured profile of this bottle. Brut rosé sparklers typically lead with red-berry fruit: strawberry, raspberry and sometimes red cherry or a touch of citrus peel. Expect a light to medium body, bright acidity and a fine, persistent bead of bubbles that keeps the palate fresh. Tannin is minimal. Oak is rarely a factor in this category, so the finish is usually clean and crisp, with a dry, slightly tart note of red fruit. That structure makes it a flexible table wine. The acidity and bubbles cut through salty and fried foods, so it suits fried chicken, tempura, potato chips or a charcuterie board. It also works with seafood such as shrimp, smoked salmon and crab cakes. Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese pair well too, and so do lightly spiced dishes, where the chill and carbonation calm the heat. Serve it well chilled, around 40 to 45°F. A couple of hours in the fridge, or 30 minutes in an ice bucket, will get it there. Sparkling wine should not be decanted, since that would strip out the bubbles. Pour it straight from the bottle into a tulip-shaped flute or, better, a small white wine glass. The slightly wider bowl lets the red-fruit aromas open up while still holding the fizz. Styles like this are made for drinking young, while the fruit is bright. Buy it to open within a year or two rather than to cellar. Once opened, a sparkling wine stopper will keep the bubbles lively for a day or so in the fridge.