Vin De Pays De Vaucluse

The name on this bottle, Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, is a French country-wine designation that traditionally refers to the Vaucluse département in the southern Rhône Valley. The listing gives Esplanda as the producer and Massachusetts as the origin. The grape, color, vintage and alcohol level are not stated, so the notes below describe what wines under this name usually offer, not a measured profile of this bottle. Vaucluse country wines are generally made for easy, regular drinking. Reds from the area typically lean on Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Expect ripe red-berry fruit, a soft to medium body, gentle tannin and a dry finish with a little warm spice. Whites and rosés from the same region tend to be dry and fresh, with citrus and stone-fruit character and moderate acidity. Oak is rarely a defining feature in this style, so the fruit usually leads. If the bottle is red, serve it lightly cool, around 16 to 18°C (60 to 65°F). A short time in the fridge before opening gets it there. A white or rosé is better at 8 to 10°C (46 to 50°F). Decanting is not needed. Pouring a red into a glass a few minutes ahead is enough to open it up. A standard all-purpose wine glass suits any version, and a slightly larger bowl helps if it is red. Wines in this style pair well with roast chicken, herbed lamb, ratatouille, grilled vegetables, charcuterie, pizza and soft cheeses. Country wines like this are generally meant to be drunk young, so plan to open it soon and not cellar it.