Veuve Du Vernay Rose

Veuve Du Vernay Rosé is a sparkling rosé made in Massachusetts and bottled under the Esplanda label. The sparkle and the pink color are what define it. Styles like this usually show red-berry fruit, such as strawberry, raspberry and red cherry. Many also add a light citrus or watermelon note. Expect a dry-to-off-dry finish, brisk acidity and fine, lively bubbles. Sparkling rosés don't have tannin or oak character to speak of, so the body stays light to medium and the texture crisp rather than heavy. The details provided don't list a grape blend, dosage level or ABV. If those matter to you, check the label before you buy. Serve it well chilled, around 40 to 45°F. A couple of hours in the refrigerator or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket will get it there. Colder than that mutes the fruit, and warmer makes the bubbles feel flabby. Sparkling wine shouldn't be decanted, since that releases the carbonation. Open the bottle gently by holding the cork and twisting the bottle, and pour it straight from the bottle. A tulip-shaped flute or a white-wine glass works best. The tulip shape holds the bubbles and funnels the berry aromas, and the white-wine glass gives the fruit a bit more room. Wide, shallow coupes let the fizz fade quickly. At the table, the acidity and red-berry fruit suit salty and fried foods. Try it with oysters, shrimp, fried chicken, potato chips or tempura vegetables. It also works with charcuterie, soft cheeses such as brie or fresh goat cheese, and salads with strawberries or citrus. If the bottle leans slightly sweet, it can handle mildly spiced dishes like Thai or Vietnamese food. It also suits brunch dishes such as smoked salmon, eggs Benedict or a fruit-and-cheese board. If you want to mix it, it can top up a spritz-style drink or stand in for prosecco in a mimosa-type cocktail. Treat this as a drink-now bottle. Sparkling rosés at this level are made for their fresh fruit and lively bubbles, and those fade with extended cellaring. Keep it cool and out of direct light, and plan to open it within a year or so of purchase. Once opened, a sparkling wine stopper will keep the fizz acceptable in the refrigerator for a day, though it's best finished the same evening.