How good is canned wine?
They're ideal for picnics and the concept is a rapidly growing niche, but how good are canned wines? See new reviews for 2021.
The modern canned wine movement has been developing apace in the US for several years, but the concept has also become more popular in the UK recently.
Cans are a great option for al fresco drinking and picnics, which is something to consider as the UK government prepares to allow more outdoor meet-ups.
There’s no need to pack a corkscrew for one thing.
Canned wine on the rise in UK
‘More retailers are now stocking wine in cans in the UK,’ said Andy Howard MW in the August 2019 issue of Decanter.
‘Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and the Co-op have increased their range, while English wine is also getting in on the act with brands such as The Uncommon Bacchus.’
Helen Tordoff, head of wine at Morrisons, said, ‘The past few years have seen different packaging formats become increasingly popular with consumers, and canned wines are no exception.
‘The rise of alfresco drinking during lockdown has only bolstered this, with customers selecting them for the convenience they offer, as well as also the option of a single serve.’
Producer Nice said, ‘Despite [the] significant impact of the pandemic on hospitality sales (especially festivals and sporting events), the business almost doubled its revenue in 2020 (85% growth) and sold over half a million cans.’
Advantages of canned wine
‘An advantage of canned wine is faster chilling. This makes cans a good choice for picnics, concerts in the park and drinking by the pool, where glass is most likely prohibited,’ said Eduardo Dinglar in a Decanter.com article in 2018.
Writing in Decanter magazine in 2019, Howard said, ‘Another major advantage of cans is a reduced carbon footprint – aluminium has far higher recycling rates than glass, and the carbon effect of shipping lighter containers is significant.’
Nice said that 72% of cans are recycled in the UK.
You’re also less likely to waste wine, because there’s no need to open an entire bottle.
Quality of canned wine: How good is it?
Don’t underestimate the quality, as long as you know where to look.
‘To date a number of wineries have contributed to the canned-wine world; in many ways elevating the quality and perception of the product,’ wrote Dinglar in 2018.
On price, he said, ‘Some canned wines [in the US] demand prices upwards of $25 per 37.5cl can (equivalent to half a bottle of wine) such as Sans Wine Company Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, while the average price of most is around $5.’
Of the wines available in the UK listed below, many are under £5.
In terms of when to drink, ‘producers mostly agree that canned wine is designed to be consumed soon after buying’, wrote Dinglar in 2018.
It’s good to recognise many of these wines for what they are – enjoyable, fresh and fruity, for when the sun is out.
Top canned wine picks:
Wines tasted by James Button, Sylvia Wu, Tina Gellie, Amy Wislocki, Natalie Earl and Eduardo Dingler. In order of most recently tasted – with the first 18 wines tasted in 2021.
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The Copper Crew, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa, 2019
89
Spritzy and bright with classic Chenin Blanc flavours of waxy yellow quince and apple compote with crisp, refreshing lemon acidity. The palate has nice weight with creamy lees notes and turns a little tropical on the finish. Easy to like, and perfect to pack in the hamper along with the cold roast chicken and salads.
2019
The Copper Crew
The Copper Crew, Rosé, Western Cape, South Africa, 2019
88
Made in a Provence rosé style – pale pink with an onion-skin hue, this has touch of spritz and aromas of apricot blossom, candy floss and strawberries. The palate has more summer pudding fruit richness on a light-bodied frame, with enough acidity to balance the sweet fruit. Made five Rhône grapes, including Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
2019
The Copper Crew
The Copper Crew, Merlot, Western Cape, South Africa, 2018
90
The best of the three cans made by Sam Lambson and Minimalist Wines. The can says Western Cape, but Copper Crew says the fruit (87% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot) comes from Elgin. The Merlot ages 24 months in barriques which gives good structure, smoky, toasted spice and chocolatey tannins to support intense plum and blackberry flavours alongside cranberry acidity. You'd be very happy with this at a barbeque or festival.
2018
The Copper Crew
AA Badenhorst, The Curator White, Swartland, South Africa, 2020
91
Adi Badenhorst has created three canned versions of his good-value, entry-level Curator wines, of which this is the pick. Aromas of juicy apricots, pineapples, bananas, nectarines and wild strawberry hints too. The palate is rich, intense and flavoursome with ripe stone – and some tropical – fruit, bound in a creamy mouthfeel, like a mouthful of peach yoghurt. A little jasmine freshness tickles the finish.
2020
AA Badenhorst
Lubanzi, SGM Red Blend, Swartland, South Africa, 2019
90
Canned wines can be hit and miss, but this blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre (SGM) from South Africa's Swartland region is one of the better examples that we taste tested. The fruit is hand harvested, and a minimal intervention approach taken in the winery. Large oak barrels (foudres) are used to help round the wine without giving a marked oak influence. It's quite dark in colour with spicy, ripe dark fruit, a twist of demerara sugar and a hint of smoke. Fresh and fruity with some dark earthy char behind.
2019
Lubanzi
The Uncommon, Eleanor Bubbly Rosé, England, 2019
89
Eleanor is one of four wines in a beautifully packaged canned English wine range. This lightly sparkling rosé – a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier from vineyards in Kent and Hampshire – shows aromas of red apple and hints of rose and which turn slightly more tropical on the palate. It has bright acidity and a creamy strawberry yoghurt finish. Is it the equivalent of a £15 bottle? No, but for a fizz in a can it's a fine option. Vegan
2019
The Uncommon
AA Badenhorst, The Curator Rosé, Swartland, South Africa, 2020
89
There's not a huge amount of interest on the nose of this onion skin-coloured rosé, but is that even needed when drinking from a can? The palate, on the other hand, offers an explosion of berries and cream, cherry skins, red apple and pink grapefruit freshness and an orange peel note, which lends a welcome touch of bitterness to the long finish.
2020
AA Badenhorst
IGO, Organic Red, Navarra, Spain
89
This is impressive for a canned wine, and the best of the IGO Organic range. Quite a deep berry red colour in the glass, and redolent with the fragrance of summer pudding; there's also a hint of earthiness. Soft fruit, bright and crunchy, this is delicious slightly chilled and it wears its 14% alcohol lightly. A perfect, simple al fresco red.
IGO
IGO, Organic Rosé, Navarra, Spain
89
The IGO Organic range of canned wines is elegantly packaged and aimed at the high end of the market for canned wines. Even at this level, you're not going to find huge complexity, but that's not really the aim when it comes to picnic wine. Instead, you'll find a dry, refreshing and easy drinking wine, fruit forward, and with red berry freshness and some citrus notes. The fruit comes from old vines in Navarra. Would happily match a wide variety of food.
IGO
Small but Perfectly Formed, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
89
The best of the three Small but Perfectly Formed canned wines created by Bibendum, and on par with many £9 bottles of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (which the price of three cans equates to). It has all the classic varietal characters fans of the style are looking for – ripe passion fruit flavours and tangy gooseberry acidity – in a convenient package. A well made and tasty picnic option.
Small but Perfectly Formed
Nice, Malbec, Argentina
89
Purple-coloured with a vibrant nose of fresh dark cherries, plums and rose potpourri. Juicy red berry fruits and prunes, refreshed by descent acidity. Tannins are soft but present. Vegan.
Nice
AA Badenhorst, The Curator Red, Swartland, South Africa, 2020
94
An accessible and great-value Cape blend, with enough chewy tannins to stand up to steak. Adi Badenhorst has blended Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache and Shiraz to combine blackberry, blackcurrant and raspberry flavours, plus sweeter spun sugar straying into vanilla.
2020
AA Badenhorst
When In Rome, Greco, Campania, Italy
88
This 250ml can of Campanian Greco is made by Antica Hirpinia - the region's first cooperative winery, founded in 1959. It has fresh scents of green fruits with juicy green apple, gooseberry and subtle stone fruit flavours which linger on the tight, tangy, fresh and steely palate.
When In Rome
Lubanzi, Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa, 2020
88
The red blend in this pair of canned wines from Lubanzi offers more interest and character. This dry Chenin Blanc offers New World ripeness and warmth, with round appley fruit. There's no oak here, but the wine has aged on fine lees for six month in stainless steel. Straightforward and easy drinking.
2020
Lubanzi
Nice, Pale Rosé, France
88
Salmon pink in colour, with freshly picked strawberry and apple on the nose. Mild red berries and lime peel on the palate, with a good level of acidity to balance, followed by a hint of strawberry jam on the finish. Vegan.
Nice
Small but Perfectly Formed, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
88
A mellow, musky aroma of brambles and red liquorice. The smooth, creamy palate shows more of the same – ripe dark plums, berries and gentle spice with soft acidity. It's not at all complex, but those who love the plush friendliness of Malbec will be very content with this well-priced option. The new six-pack to bring to a barbecue? Vegan.
Small but Perfectly Formed
Mirabeau, Prêt-à-Porter Canettes Rosé to Go!, Méditerranée IGP, Southwest France, France
88
Quite deep in colour for a Provence rosé, this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah offers a generosity of strawberry and peach fruit. It's a dry wine (less than 1g/L residual sugar), but it has a sweetness of fruit to it and good acidity to keep it fresh. A crowd-pleasing style.
MirabeauMéditerranée IGP
La Dame en Rose, Fizzy Rosé, France
87
This is the canned version of the £9 bottle of sparkling available at both M&S and Ocado, made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan. There's not much aroma apart from a slight pear note, but the palate has more to offer, with red berries, chantilly cream and a floral note. There's some residual sugar but the acidity and fizz keeps it in check. Nothing overly complex but a good-value option for a pink picnic fizz.
La Dame en Rose
IGO, Organic White, Navarra, Spain
87
This Grenache Blanc from Navarra (or we should say Garnacha Blanca, as we're in Spain) is pretty neutral – some subtle limey zest and crunchy pear fruit character, crisp and dry. It would be refreshing on a hot day, but there's not a great deal of character and it finishes short. The least interesting of the IGO Organic canned range.
IGO
Nice, Sauvignon Blanc, France
86
A reductive nose of flint and minerals which opens to stone fruits and a hint of citrus. Ripe melon and lime on the palate with fresh acidity. Not exactly varietal-specific but drinkable. Vegan.
Nice
Most Wanted, Pinot Grigio Fizz, European Union
86
Unlike bottled wine, there's not much room (desire?) on canned wine about the liquid within. While small print identifies this as a 'Wine of the European Union', research suggests the Pinot Grigio comes from Hungary. The aromas are vaguely floral and fruity and the palate is much the same – a bit like pears in soda water with a dash of peach syrup and some green apple acidity to provide balance. If you like Prosecco, this is a decent canned alternative. Vegan.
Most Wanted
Most Wanted, Pinot Grigio Pink Fizz, European Union
85
Made by Off-Piste Wines this is the pink version of what some digging reveals is Hungarian Pinot Grigio. Some extra residual sugar here gives this more body and texture, but results in it tasting more like a rose- and cherry-flavoured soft drink than a wine. Very simple and one-dimensional, with soft mousse and a confected raspberry finish. There are better (and larger) sparklings and rosés. Vegan.
Most Wanted
Benjamin Bridge, Pet Nat, Nova Scotia, Canada
82
Don't be put off by the cloudy nature of this lightly sparkling white wine - the age-old 'pet-nat' method finishes fermentation in the bottle (or the can in this case), much like a bottle-conditioned beer. This has funky apple and spice aromas, with a subtle mousse joined by flavours of citrus, pear and roses. It doesn't have much acidity, which makes it seem a bit flat and unrefreshing, but the 10% alcohol and can format makes it perfect for picnics.
Benjamin Bridge
West & Wilder, Sparkling White, California, USA
93
A combination of jasmin blossom and chamomile with pinch of fresh tarragon and green apple make for the enticing aromas here. The mousse is lively yet not pretentious, while a balanced blend of summer peach and white pepper rushes through the palate. This is an excellent companion to salmon rillettes with toasted buttery sourdough points. Matthew Allan and Kenny Rochford met while working at Medlock Ames Winery; they immediately connected and started a friendship that led them the launch their own brand. Some of Kenny's wine background includes working with two power houses in the California wine world, Kosta Browne and CIRQ. They focus on Oregon, Washington and California for sources to deliver an array of sparkling and still wine gems.
West & Wilder
Larkin, Larkan White, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2017
94
Notes of Meyer lemon and lime zest, nectarine blossoms and a hint of lemongrass burst out of the can. On the palate, a cleansing and refreshing layer of green pineapple, lemon rind and honeysuckle dominate the landscape. This is met by a mineral chalky salinity creating a mouth-watering effect with a long finish. This wine is excellent with fresh Miyagi oysters served with a dab of Champagne vinaigrette and shallots. Proven vintner Sean Larkin decided to jump into the canned wine world with the hope to offer an exceptional wine in a fun and unpretentious way. He worked with winemaker Bruce Devlin, who also produces Three Clicks Cans, to craft this balanced expression.
2017
LarkinNapa Valley
Ferdinand, Ferdinand, Lodi, California, USA, 2017
93
Chalky limestone notes meet orange blossoms and salty lemon zest on the nose. This is sharp and electric on the palate, with a mouthwatering effect dominated by unripe stone fruits and freshly cut green apple. This wine is made for seafood, so do not hesitate to enjoy it with halibut and a lemon-caper piccata sauce. Seasoned and celebrated winemaker Evan Frazier has worked with top producer John Kongsgaard in producing the wines. Under his own brand, Ferdinand, Frazier also makes this compelling Albariño that delivers a great ship both on can or bottle.
2017
FerdinandLodi
Sans, Poor Ranch Vineyard Coyote Rock Block Carignan, Mendocino County, California, USA, 2017
93
Lively, electric and unapologetic on the nose with aromas of cranberry, bubblegum, bramble and green brush. This wine offers tension and playfulness with a generous dose of fruit and candied pomegranate. Sans Wine Company only does canned wine and was created by husband-and-wife-team Jake Stover and Gina Schober. Jake’s wine career includes working alongside Ehren Jordan at Failla and Aaron Pott. Stover’s expertise lies in vineyard management, while Schober’s strong hand is sales and marketing. ‘Sans’ means ‘without’ and they produce ‘natural’ wines from organically farmed vineyards – with a focus on vintage, vineyard and varietal specific wines.
2017
SansMendocino County
Jam Cellars, Butter, California, USA, 2016
91
A rich, bold and satisfying wine aiming to satisfy any Chardonnay cravings. There are notes of movie theatre popcorn, toasted hazelnuts and a hint of tropical fruits, finished with sunkissed lemon peel. The palate is just as lush, with a creamy texture and a touch of zesty citrus and green pineapple. This is excellent for grandma’s creamy chicken fettuccine recipe. Jam Cellars is the brainchild of John and Michelle Truchard. Their brands, Jam and Butter, hit the market at the right time with styles that capture the essence of the featured varietals, and they have achieved strong sales in the US. When they are not busy creating a successful wine brand, the Truchards spend time in the music world promoting and attending shows.
2016
Jam Cellars
