More wine trivia to abet bets and sustain snobbery. All numbers approximate averages:
• Ranking of U.S. in annual wine consumption, total gallons: First in the world. (“We’re No. 1!”)
• Ranking of U.S. in annual wine consumption, per capita: 57th in the world. (“Oh, okay.”)
• Percent of U.S. wine made in California: almost 90 percent.
• Percent of U.S. wine made in Texas: one-half of one percent, ranking Texas fifth behind California, New York, Washington, Oregon.
• Percent of Texas-made wine consumed in Texas: almost 100 percent.
• Annual per capita U.S. soft drink consumption: 46-50 gallons.
• Annual per capita U.S. beer consumption: 18-22 gallons.
• Annual per capita U.S. wine consumption: 2.4 gallons.
• Ranking of France in annual wine consumption, per capita: 4th (12 gallons)
• Highest annual wine consumption, per capita: Vatican City State (18.5 gallons).
• Second highest annual wine consumption, per capita: Luxembourg (14.3 gallons).
• Third highest annual wine consumption, per capita: Norfolk Island, between Australia and New Zealand, (12.9 gallons).
• Cost of French oak barrel: $500-850.
• Cost of American oak barrel: $200-550.
• Percentage of French oak tree used in making barrel: 20-25.
• Percentage of American oak tree used in making barrel: 40-50.
• French oak flavors: silky tannins, light sweetness, fruit flavors; often preferred for whites.
• American oak flavors: sweetness, vanilla; often preferred for bold New World reds.
• Number of years an oak barrel is used: 5-8; significant decline in influence after five vintages.
• Most-common barrel sizes: Bordeaux (59 gallons), Burgundy (60 gallons).
Recommended:
• Clayhouse Adobe Red Central Coast 2009. Zin leads 6-grape parade; cherry-berry-plum; tad smoother than 2008; supple tannins, solid value. $14
• Norton Malbec Reserva 2008. Not quite as elegant as 2007’s big winner (Wine Spectator 90 pts); still, Argentina’s Bodega Norton consistently delivers. $15
• Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009. Full-body, concentrated fruit, cherry, spice; firm tannin, balanced big boy CA cab. $24