Remember he unwarranted inferiority stigma attached to screw-cap wines when they first entered the mainstream marketplace? It’s safe to say that canned wines are going to follow that same path; questionable in quality by some, but only until they try that first sip.
From the onset, one of the biggest selling points for canned wines has been their convenience, especially as an “outdoor” wine. They’re lighter in weight and more to table than bottles, making them a great option for concerts, picnics, and barbecues. You can also do away with corkscrews and the risk of shattered glass.
But let’s not stop there. These wines have year-round adaptability that expands into the fall and winter months. They’re perfect for cooler weather tailgating parties, lunchtime breaks during snowy hikes, or enjoying with friends around the fire. You can also incorporate them into casual holiday gatherings.
If you’re like me, you often finish an evening with a half-full bottle of wine. The serving size of canned wines—usually about 375 milliliters, which is half the size of a standard bottle—equates to almost three 5-ounce glasses. That means more manageable servings and less waste.
So, back to the idea of lesser-quality, drink-from-the-can wines, which remains a sticking point for some. To that, some producers point to their can’s interior coating, which separates the aluminum from the wine. Despite the can’s practicality, producers also suggest serving the wine in a glass rather than consuming directly from the can. This may prevent any problematic flavor nuances.
Canned wine’s easy-on-the-budget price points are a big consideration as well. $30 to $45 for a six-pack may sound like a lot, but that’s the equivalent of paying only $10 to $15 each for three bottles of wine. At those prices, you can afford to stock up and keep an on-hand supply year-round.
To get you started, here are a few selections from a trio of Northwest wineries:
Mercer Estates ICAN
This Prosser, Washington winery recently released an aptly-named line of wines that feature a chardonnay and a rosé in sleek aluminum containers. A couple of added pluses: a plastic ring on the lip of the can keeps your mouth off the metal while the screw-top lid allows you to seal the can for later enjoyment.
Canned Oregon
From the Stoller Wine Group, located southwest of Portland, comes a tasty array of fun, fruit-forward choices that include pinot gris, pinot noir, rosé, and two sparkling options: White Bubbles (made primarily from chardonnay) and Pink Rosé Bubbles (a white wine blend with a splash of syrah for color).
Cascadian Outfitters
Andrew Wilson, a winemaker from Benton City,Washington-based Goose Ridge Vineyards, has crafted some fresh, flavorful choices under the winery’s canned wine brand. Something-for-everyone choices include chardonnay, rosé, sparkling white, sparkling rosé, and a syrah-based red blend. Mixed six-packs and cases are also available from the winery’s website, making shopping for your next party a breeze.
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