Warm weather has finally arrived in Chicago, and we’re ready for it!
At The Chopping Block, we celebrate the season with new wines to pair with new classes, or to bring home for all your warm weather activities and menus.
Combining spices from India, China’s yin-yang philosophy and technique from French occupation, Vietnamese cuisine offers bright, complex and sophisticated flavors.
Friday, July 6 6pm Merchandise Mart
Sunday, July 15 5pm Lincoln Square
Thanks to France’s influence, Vietnamese cuisine offers exciting wine pairings. Look for a wine with delicate sweetness to balance spicy yang energy with cooling yin.
Domaine Emile Beyer, Pinot Blanc “Tradition; 2016, Alsace, France
Inviting aromas of white flowers with just-ripe pear and apple flavors and bright acidity, to pair with the widest range of lighter cuisine including appetizers, seafood, softly spicy dishes, poultry and the lightest meats. $26/bottle
Dr. Hermann, Dr. H Riesling; 2015, Mosel, Germany
Not too dry, not too sweet with alluring stone fruit flavor, mineral complexity and mouthwatering finish, perfect to balance spicy cuisine and pair with fruity and delicately sweet dishes, including sushi. $19.50/bottle
Feel the heat as you create sizzling, South Beach-style favorites.
Thursday, July 5 7pm Lincoln Square
Friday, July 20 6pm Merchandise Mart
What says South Beach better than bubbly? Our new Spanish Cava adds Latin flair to your meal and a Salsa beat to your step:
Vinicola de Sarral, “Libertat” Cava Brut, Catalonia, Spain
Crystal clean & refreshing, for a bright aperitivo and complement to a world of tapas, lighter dishes and general festivity. $18.50/bottle
Come learn how to create the zesty, soul-satisfying cuisine of Italy.
Thursday, July 9 7pm Lincoln Square
Tuesday, July 31 6pm Merchandise Mart
Italy enjoyed a Renaissance of winemaking in the 1990’s, and we’re enjoying more every day! We’ve added these exceptional wines for all your Italian menus:
Cantina del Taburo, Falanghina, Taburo, Italy
With a gentle, dry palate of stone fruit, white pepper and mineral complexity this ancient grape, grown on Campania’s coast north of Naples, makes a classic aperitivo and exciting match for a world of lighter dishes. $18/bottle
Rocca dei Mori “Briaco” Primitivo, Salento, Italy
‘More is more’ in this chewy red, a cousin of America’s Zinfandel, with concentrated cherry and plum flavors, a solid sprinkle of spice and mouth coating texture, for meats and the richest poultry or vegetable dishes.” $22.50/bottle
Carpineta Fontalpino, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Elegance balances power, with savory aroma, flavors of raspberry, cherry, clove and meat and characteristically firm tannin. Serve with red meat. $32/bottle
What’s your fear of fish? Can’t find affordable options? Don’t have confidence to cook seafood dishes? Hate that “fishy” smell? Our chefs will help you conquer your fears with professional techniques and recipes that reap the health benefits and international flavors of seafood, flown fresh daily to Chicago from the oceans and seas of the world.
Sunday, July 8 11am Merchandise Mart
Add lemony refreshment to seafood dishes with white wines sporting lemony acidity.
Domaine Pichot, Vouvray “Le Peu de la Moriette”, Loire Valley, France
Appealing, off-dry flavors of ripe apples, honey and brisk acidity make this world-favorite wine a delicious cocktail and complement to seafood (including and most light dishes. $25/bottle
Steak is a guest favorite at The Chopping Block, with classes including Steakhouse DIY and Date Night: Italian Steakhouse.
Serve your steak and all meaty dishes with:
Iconic Wines, “Sidekick” Cabernet Sauvignon, California, US
Sun kissed, extra-ripe berry fruit with smooth mouthfeel for an ultra-rich cocktail and complement to meats, poultry, rich vegetable dishes and cheese. $20/bottle
Anne Pichon, Syrah Grenache “Sauvage”, Ventoux, France
Lush aroma of ripe berries and brown spice, velvet texture and pleasing tannin, the result of hand-craft tradition, small production and organic winegrowing. $19.50/bottle
And if you’re looking for a new Rosé to begin your summer in style, try our Rosé from Spain:
Bodegas Pinuaga, Rosé of Tempranillo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Expansive aroma with dry-ish strawberry flavor, delicate brown spice accents and appealing tannin from certified organic vineyards. A versatile complement to appetizers, seafood, vegetables and light meats and a mouthwatering cocktail year-round. $16.50/bottle
Our wines at The Chopping Block are selected specifically to pair with food, prepared by you during classes or at home. Ask our staff for their recommendation! Don't miss our upcoming wine classes which will teach you how to be comfortable tasting, selecting and ordering wine.