Oliver Strawberry Hibisc

Oliver Strawberry Hibisc is a fruit dessert wine made in Massachusetts, United States, and the name points to its two flavor drivers: strawberry and hibiscus. Because the details don't list ABV, residual sugar or a vintage, treat what follows as the profile this style usually shows. Strawberry-and-hibiscus fruit wines tend to open with ripe red berry and a little jammy sweetness. The hibiscus adds a tart, cranberry-like edge and a deep ruby color. Expect a light to medium body with noticeable sweetness. The acidity is mostly bright and fruit-driven, and the tartness of the hibiscus helps keep the sweetness from turning syrupy. Tannin should be minimal to absent, and oak is not part of this style. The finish is generally soft and fruity, with a lingering berry note and a slightly tangy close. Serve it well chilled, around 40 to 45°F. That's a couple of hours in the refrigerator or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket. Cold temperatures keep the sweetness balanced and bring out the hibiscus tartness. A wine like this doesn't need decanting. Pour it straight from the bottle. A standard white wine glass or a small dessert wine glass works best, since the narrower bowl concentrates the strawberry aroma and keeps portions modest for a sweet wine. For food, the sweetness and tart edge suit desserts that are less sweet than the wine itself. Strawberry shortcake, vanilla panna cotta, cheesecake, shortbread and almond cake all work, as do tangy fresh cheeses such as goat cheese or mascarpone served with berries. It can also go alongside a salty-sweet cheese board with brie, a mild blue and dried fruit. Some people pour a small measure over vanilla ice cream or sorbet, or top it with sparkling water or sparkling wine for a lighter spritz-style drink. This is a drink-now bottle. Fruit-forward dessert wines like this are made for freshness, and long cellaring tends to dull the bright berry character instead of improving it. Store it upright in a cool, dark place and drink it within a year or so of purchase. Once opened, reseal it and keep it refrigerated. The fruit flavors are best within a few days.