Check out this fun video depicting world-wide wine consumption:
We’re Number One (Sort Of)
Of course, the video represents total national consumption figures; we’re number one just because there’s so many of us. (In per capita consumption, we rank 16th in the world, drinking about 16 standard bottles per year. I’m doing my part to keep those numbers up, how about you?)
Being the world’s top wine customer has perks, including the vast and varied selection of wines vying for our attention. While wine drinkers of the world are generally limited to local or regional selections, we can pick and choose from the world’s best. And this time of year, that means the world’s best Rosè.
Rosè, Rosado, Pink & White
With an impressive sales growth of 1433% from 2010 to 2020 (as reported by Forbes, June 1, 2021) America’s shift from cotton candy sweet White Zinfandel to traditional, dry Rosè caught the wine world offguard. Now, Rosè is flowing through pipelines from around the world for you to enjoy at The Chopping Block.
Bubbly Rosè currently enjoys the biggest surge and TCB offers two Rosè sparkling wines, suitable for casual sipping or your most swellegant affair.
Cava "Pink", Parés Baltà, NV, CATALONIA, SPAIN, $32: Rich in berry flavor but dry (5% residual sugar) with an ample finish. The addition of the Garnacha grape (also called Grenache) adds round mouthfeel to the traditional blend of Cava grapes. This family-owned winery has devoted three generations to organic and biodynamic farming, bringing vitality to their soil and their wines.
Pair “Pink” with picnic-y dishes or with classic Spanish recipes like Gambas con Ajillo (Sauteed Shrimp with Garlic & Saffron) and Strip Steak with Romesco Compound butter featured in our Night in Spain class on Thursday, June 1 at 6pm at Lincoln Square. Click here to register.
To explore Spain’s influence throughout the wine world, join us on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 6:30pm for The Winelands of Spain. We’ll discuss Spain’s wine heritage in the Old World and New, tasting “Pink” and four other exemplary Spanish wines accompanied by wine-friendly noshes. Click here to register.
Cuvee Rosé Brut "Grand Cru", Champagne R.H. Coutier, NV, CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE, $72.00: Transform any day into a special occasion with this sumptuous Champagne, blended of Chardonnay and an ample dose of Pinot Noir for power and finesse. For five generations, the Coutier family has farmed Champagne's finest vineyards (100% Grand Cru vineyards), with conversion to organic farming beginning in 2019. Dry, complex, and classy, this is a meal-time bubbly for the richest vegetables, seafood and poultry, as well as red meats.
From the epi-center of America’s favorite Rosè region, TCB has just added Rosé, Triennes, 2021, PROVENCE, FRANCE, $24.00: Consistently ranking among the world’s finest Rosès, Triennes is helmed by wine world icons, Burgundians Jacques Seysses (Domaine Dujac) and Aubert de Villaine (Domaine de la Romanèe Conti). A blend including Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah offers easy complexity and elegance, for a classic cocktail, to complement lighter cuisine or just to chill (your mood, as well as the wine). Try it with Pissaladiere, the Provencal flatbread topped with caramelized onions, olives and anchovies, or your own favorite thin crust.
Another beauty from Spain is Mencia Rosado, Liquid Geography, 2021, BIERZO, SPAIN, $18.50: Flavors of strawberry, red currant and white pepper combine in this dry Rosado (Spanish for Rosè), with dynamic acidity for a satisfying cocktail and complement to a wide range of dishes, from appetizers to lighter entrées. The Mencia grape is indigenous to and exclusively grown in Spain and Portugal. Once the victim of overplanting, Mencia has been revitalized by a new generation of quality-oriented winegrowers.
America’s Contribution to Rosè All Day
The Frosè cocktail, introduced by NYC’s Bar Primi in 2016 is Rosè’s all-American interpretation. You’ve tasted the rest, now taste the best during Summer Wine Cocktails on Friday, June 30 at 6:30pm. We’ll taste and discuss Frosè, Kir Royale, French 75 and others. Click here to register.
