Senor Artesano Anejo

Senor Artesano Anejo is listed as a sparkling wine from Massachusetts under the Esplanda label. The details on file don't name the grape, the production method, the dosage level or the vintage, so what follows describes how sparkling wines in this category usually behave. It is not a measured profile of this bottle. Check the label for sweetness and any style notes before you plan around it. Sparkling wines usually have lively acidity, fine to medium bubbles and a light to medium body. Tannin is negligible, and oak is typically absent or very subtle. Expect orchard and citrus fruit such as apple, pear and lemon. Depending on the grapes and the time spent on the lees, there may also be a bready or toasty edge. The finish is normally clean and fairly short to medium, with the bubbles refreshing the palate between sips. The name has a Spanish-language ring, but the "Anejo" in it is not a wine aging term. Don't expect barrel-aged richness on that basis. Serve it well chilled, at about 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C). Two to three hours in the refrigerator, or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket of ice and water, gets it there. Don't decant it, because pouring from a height or letting it sit open dissipates the carbonation that gives the wine its structure. Open it by holding the cork and twisting the bottle slowly so it releases with a sigh. A tulip-shaped flute or a smaller white wine glass is a good choice. The narrower opening holds the aromas and keeps the bubbles going, and the tulip shape still leaves room for the fruit to show. The high acidity and carbonation suit salty, fried and creamy foods. Good matches include fried chicken, tempura, oysters, soft cheeses like brie, salted nuts, popcorn, and brunch dishes such as eggs benedict or smoked salmon on toast. If the bottle turns out to be off-dry, it will also handle mildly spicy dishes. Sparkling wines at this level are generally made to be opened soon after purchase, so treat this as a drink-now bottle unless the producer says otherwise. Store it on its side in a cool, dark place until you chill it. Once opened, a sparkling wine stopper will keep the bubbles reasonably lively for a day.