Cava-flavoured ice cream: the latest creation from Codorniu and chef Jordi Roca

World-class pastry chef admits it was a “challenge”

Toasting, Anna Rocks ice cream and a glass of cava (by Gemma Sánchez)
Toasting, Anna Rocks ice cream and a glass of cava (by Gemma Sánchez) / Gemma Sánchez & Alex Rolandi

Gemma Sánchez & Alex Rolandi | Barcelona

May 10, 2018 05:14 PM

For fans of cava and ice cream, why not have both at the same time? A new creation by Catalan cava producer Codorniu and chef Jordi Roca have come up with a new creation that does exactly that.

‘Anna Rocks’ is s new ice cream product of the same style of the famous brand Calippo, that is made with cava, designed to be served with ice or in cocktails.

The president of the group Codorniu Raventós, Mar Raventós said that their objective is to offer a “creative” product that challenges “the fixed ideas of many people that cava can only be had in a certain way.”

Innovation

So if you have a penchant for bubbly, and a refreshing ice cream as the weather begins to get warmer, Anna Rocks will be initially found in Rocambolesc ice cream parlours, but it selling it at Jordi Roca’s restaurant, Celler de Can Roca, has not been ruled out.

Raventós highlighted that innovation has always been a cornerstone of the cava company. In fact, Codorniu created the first cava using the Chardonnay variety of grape. With Anna Rocks, she hopes to “maintain the image of quality” of the company. Codorniu is indeed one of the main cava companies in the company, and also the oldest, dating all the way back to the 16th century. 

A challenge

The Michelin star pastry chef at Celler de Can Roca, Jordi Roca, admitted that it was a “challenge” to maintain “the character” of Codorniu’s cava in ice cream form.

Codorniu  and Jordi  Roca presented the new product  at a private event at  a hotel in Barcelona.

Roca on

As well as being an award-winning pastry chef, Jordi Roca’s own restaurant is also world class. Celler de Can Roca has been voted best restaurant twice in the world by the renowned Restaurant Magazine. With three Michelin stars, it is no wonder why. In 2015, it dropped from first place to second place, which is still an impressive result considering the number of high quality, innovative eateries there are around the world.

Last Friday, Roca got the go-ahead from the Girona council to make a personal dream of his come true. He aims to create a venue dedicated just to chocolate. The planned Casa Cacao, in the chef’s hometown, will be sure to tantalize the taste buds of anybody with a sweet tooth.