Teperberg Red Moscato 750

Teperberg Red Moscato is a sweet red dessert wine listed under the fruit dessert category, with Massachusetts as its stated origin. Moscato-style reds usually follow a clear pattern: a perfumed nose of orange blossom, rose petal and ripe red berries, then a plush, juicy palate where strawberry, raspberry and cherry lead. Expect low tannin, since this style is built on fruit and sweetness rather than grip, and a soft, rounded body. Acidity is typically moderate, just enough to keep the sweetness from turning syrupy. Oak is rarely part of the picture, so the finish tends to be clean, fruity and lightly floral. Some bottles in this style also carry a faint spritz, so check the label if you want to know. Serve it chilled, at roughly 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F). A couple of hours in the refrigerator or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket gets it there. Cold temperatures keep the sweetness balanced and the aromatics lively, while a warm glass tends to taste heavy and sugary. There is no need to decant. Pour it straight from the bottle. For glassware, a standard white wine glass or a small tulip-shaped dessert glass concentrates the floral aromas well. A flute works if the bottle shows some fizz. Sweet, fruity reds like this do best with food that is salty, spicy or rich, because the sugar balances those flavors instead of competing with them. Try it with a cheese board of aged cheddar, blue cheese or creamy brie, or with prosciutto and melon. Mildly spicy dishes such as barbecue ribs or Thai-style noodles also work, as the sweetness cools the heat. For dessert, choose dark chocolate, berry tarts, cheesecake with a fruit topping or plain shortbread. Very sweet cakes can flatten the wine, so pair it with something a little tart or bitter. It also works on its own as an after-dinner glass. This is a drink-now bottle. Light, aromatic, sweet wines are made for freshness and lose their perfume and brightness with long cellaring. Keep it upright or on its side in a cool, dark spot until it is chilled and ready to pour. Once opened, reseal it and refrigerate it. It will hold its flavor for a few days.