Year the first rosé Champagne was sold. Shipped from the house of Ruinart on March 14, 60 bottles of this rosé were sent to Baron de Welzel of Germany. The rosé was referred to as Oeil de Perdrix (“Eye of the Partridge”), described as a delicate, coppery pink similar to the color of a recently-shot bird’s eyes.
Average price (in U.S. dollars) of what is thought to be the most expensive still rosé in the world, the Château d’Esclans “Garrus” from Provence. Garrus is made from grenache and rolle grapes from 80-year-old vines. It was launched in 2007 by Sacha Lichine, the son of the late famous Bordeaux château owner, Alexis Lichine, and the late Patrick Léon, former winemaker of Château Mouton Rothschild.
Percentage of wine consumers who enjoyed a glass of rosé in the last month, according to the E. & J. Gallo 2018 Consumer Alcohol Beverage Survey. The most likely age demographic to purchase pink vino are millennials (born 1980-2000). Millennials, in fact, are twice as likely to purchase a bottle of rosé as Baby Boomers (born in the 1940s-1960s).
Percentage share of the U.S. wine market now owned by E & J Gallo. The Gallo family’s increased dominance comes as a result of their recent purchase of 30 wine brands from Constellation, for a reported $1.7 billion. While most were low and moderately priced wine brands, Franciscan—an important historic Napa winery—was also part of the acquisition. Among the other brands were: Arbor Mist, Black Box, Clos du Bois, and Ravenswood.
Number (in billions) of jelly beans manufactured for Easter, according to CandyStore.com. The most popular flavor in the U.S. is Buttered Popcorn (we are, after all, a country of chardonnay drinkers), followed by Cinnamon, Black Licorice, Cherry, and Watermelon. However, not all flavors are equally compelling. Bizarre bean flavors include Earwax and Stinky Socks.
Age of the chenin blanc vines at Chalone Estate in the remote and rugged Gabilan Mountains of central California, making them the oldest chenin blanc vines in the state. (The area only got electricity for the first time in 1985). Planted by French immigrant Lucien Charles Tamm, the head-trained vines give only a tiny amount of fruit.
Approximate number of millions of gallons of beer exported to the U.S. from Mexico in 2018, according to the Beer Institute. This makes Mexico the largest exporter of beer to the U.S. (The Netherlands, with just over 135 million gallons, comes in second). Some of the most exported Mexican beers include Corona and Modelo.
Approximate number of inches more of rain that Oakville, Napa, experienced so far this year than Seattle has, according to the University of California. Seattle has had about 10 inches of rain since January 1—while Oakville received over 31 inches. For months, numerous rainstorms have buffeted northern California wine country.
Ranking (sadly) of the United States in the 2019 Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index. The Index scores 169 economies worldwide by looking at factors such as life expectancy and access to clean water and air. Among the countries that beat out the U.S.: Cuba (#30), South Korea (#17), and Spain (#1).
Current price (in U.S. dollars) of a single bottle of 2016 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, according to The Drinks Business. Liv-ex, a London-based fine wine trading service, reports that a case of the cabernet is now going for almost $38,000. And prices may soar higher: rumor has it there may not be a 2017 vintage of Screaming Eagle due to smoke taint.