CANNED WINE - THE BIGGEST GROWING SUBGENRE OF ALCOHOL
New to the canned-wine revolution? Take it from us, wine packaged in cans might actually be the best thing since sliced bread (because wine is better than bread, duh), and long-gone are the days when beer is the only option for a more casual get together.
Canned wine is simply more convenient than bulky glass bottles, comes in single or double servings, and tastes just as delicious as traditionally bottled wine. Here is your beginner guide to canned wines, and all of the opportunities for celebrating, sipping, and serving à la can.
WHY CANNED WINE
First thing’s first, there’s a reason bottled beer companies made the switch to cans (less light to affect flavor and lower production costs), but there are even better reasons why wineries should follow suit. It’s estimated that wineries could cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% if they made the switch to cans due to the weight and size of glass bottles, plus they would eliminate the risk of “cork taint” — that funky old-sock flavor that comes from a rotting cork.
And as far as those drinking the canned wine — there are plenty of benefits that go beyond the obvious. For starters, canned wine helps with portion control since you don’t need to open up a bottle (five servings) to pour just one glass. Many brands use smaller cans for satisfying single servings, and others use a classic 375-milliliter can with two healthy pours to share with a friend or spouse.
Cans are also easy to transport, don’t risk breakage like glass bottles, and can be enjoyed safely on a beach, pool-deck, or while relaxing in the bath. Bring to a picnic, a tailgate, or place in a cooler among the brews, and watch all your beer-loving friends jump on the wine train.
And for that friend that refuses to drink anything but the “good stuff”? There’s definitely canned wine for them too …
THE BEST CANNED WINES TO BUY
Glass-bottled wine isn’t the only vino to receive national and international wine awards. People are praising canned wine all over the world, and more wineries are offering their best-selling wines in the canned form. Here are just some of the top-rated:
California grown. Cleveland owned. With the release of MANCAN, Graham + Fisk put canned rosé on the map, and it’s become a summertime staple among the canned-wine obsessed ever since. Now there are four varieties: Red Wine, White Wine, Rosé Wine with Bubbles, and White Wine with Bubbles. Try them all with the variety pack.
Buy Now: Graham + Fisk's Mixed Pack
Supporting small wineries has never been easier, or more mass-distributed, than through Maker Wine company. Each can celebrate diversity with a story of the winery and producer, among other fun facts regarding its origins. These wines are dry, have 0g sugar, and less than 5g of carbohydrates per glass, making it a great choice for the carb-conscious.
Buy Now: Maker Best-Sellers Mixed Pack
Made from grapes grown in the Willamette Valley, it should be no surprise this Oregon winery created a great canned Pinot gris. Crisp and refreshing, this wine pairs best with picnics and time spent on the water.
Buy Now: UNDERWOOD Pinot Gris
Kim Crawford’s famous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is now in canned form, and is just as good as the glass-bottled stuff. In an easy 2-pack, this canned wine is best enjoyed during date night or while catching up with a friend.
Buy Now: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
TIPS FOR SERVING
For the most part, storing and serving canned wine is the same as glass bottles — chill whites and rosés in a fridge or cooler, and keep reds in a cool, dry spot. The best part? Cans take up considerably less space compared to glass bottles, and can be stacked on shelves in the fridge. As for serving, it’s okay if you leave behind the bottle opener. All you have to do is pop the tab and pour into a glass (or not!) — it’s completely up to you.
And speaking of glass vs. can … if a wine isn’t to your liking straight from the can, don’t toss it right away! Try pouring in a wine glass made from glass or plastic. A few swirls will bring oxygen to the wine like a decanted glass bottle, and may change the flavor profile of the canned wine considerably.
Otherwise, drinking canned wine is pretty simple — just pop the tab, take a sip, and enjoy. Cheers!
