The wine world continues to explode, with winemakers pretty much everywhere producing wine, alternative closures, and alternative packaging. Boxed wines emerged into everyday use several years ago with mixed results, just like bottled wines. And, along with single-serve plastic servings, 375ml cans are rapidly increasing in popularity now.
Here are a few reasons why canned wines are appealing to consumers:
* Cans are lighter than bottles, thus easier to tote — the trash, too, is easier to dispose of.
* Cans won’t break.
* Glassware and corkscrews aren’t necessary.
* The price of the half-bottle format is competitive.
* A recent Bauerhaus Design post reported, “I’ve talked to several Baby Boomer winery owners and they just don’t get why you would ever put a wine in a can. This is why it is critical to find out WHY Millennials like cans.” Responding to a research study that was conducted as to why people would purchase canned wines, along with the reasons cited above one Millennial said, “I like cans because I can put a straw in it and not smudge my lipstick.”
Similarly, a Harpers.co.uk report states, “Producing low or no alcohol lines and switching from bottles to cans could boost sales for the wine trade, suggest new statistics on the craft beer industry.”
THE WINES:
Let’s dig in. The first wine I tried was the Chardonnay. Unoaked, the wine is made from organically grown grapes.
I wanted to see the colors and impressions of the wines, as well as gain better access to their aromas; therefore, all of them were poured rather than consumed directly from the cans.
At first, this wine was cloudy, but it cleared; the first taste was quite acidic but that softened as the wine opened and warmed. True to the winery’s accompanying tasting notes, it was pale yellow with green hues, and opened to the flavors one would expect from an unoaked Chardonnay: green apple, citrus, and a little bit of banana.
Next up was the Malbec rosé. This was my favorite of the three, even though rosés aren’t usually my first choice for an evening’s libation. Its color was a lovely salmon pink. Soft and round, the floral nose was delightful. Cherry overtones and the creamy mouthfeel made this a terrific wine. I would happily serve to dinner guests.
Like the Chardonnay, it was produced from certified organic vineyards.
Last on the lineup was the 2018 Tintillo, a blend of 50% Malbec and 50% Bonardo. The tasting notes recommend serving this with BBQ, burgers, mild cheeses, or grilled salmon, and they also recommend serving it chilled. Personally I thought it was okay chilled, but preferred it when it was warmer and opened; then, it was balanced and very pleasant. Dark violet; strawberries and raspberries; light tannins.
VINEYARD NOTES:
Julia is the only daughter of José Zuccardi, director of Familia Zuccardi winery. Created in her honor, Santa Julia represents the Zuccardi Family’s commitment to achieve the highest quality levels through sustainable practices. Bodega Santa Julia is committed to being natural, environmentally friendly, and growing in harmony with the community. The long term sustainability of harvests are extremely important, which is the reason Santa Julia fosters the natural richness of the soil through certified organic vineyard management.
The Zuccardi family has been active in innovative winemaking for decades; in 1950, Alberto Zuccardi, an engineer, began experimenting with new systems of irrigation in Mendoza vineyards.
All of these wines are also available in 750ml bottles.
WEB: http://www.santajulia.com.ar/en/
Samples sent for review.
