Is Canned Wine Actually as Good as Wine in a Bottle?
Canned wine has been growing in popularity in recent years. If you have a passion for great wine, you may be reluctant to try canned wine.
So, is canned wine actually as good as wine in a bottle? Are there any occasions where you may prefer canned wine to that in a bottle? Read on to find out more.
What Is Canned Wine?
Canned wine may seem like a new product hitting the shelves, but it’s been around for quite some time. This product first appeared in 2003. It was slow to catch on until recent years. Today, there is more of a market for it. Wineries have learned that by making larger cans of wine, they could make their product more appealing to consumers.
There are no mysteries behind canned wine — it’s just in a can instead of a bottle. Canned wine is sold at most places where you already buy wine and other types of alcohol.
What’s the Difference Between Canned and Bottled Wine?
There is no difference between a wine made for a can and wine made for a bottle. The winemaking process follows the same steps for each process.
Winemakers use the same types of grapes, still picked at peak freshness. The grapes undergo the same procedures:
- They’re pressed.
- Yeast is added (if necessary).
- The wine is placed in wood or stainless steel to age.
Many winemakers who produce bottled and canned wine will separate a single batch of wine, putting some into cans and the rest into bottles. The wines are alike in every way other than their containers.
Does this mean that wine tastes the same, whether canned or in a bottle? Not necessarily.
Some wines do remarkably well in a can, while others cannot retain some of their characteristic flavors. While most canned wine producers have done their research when choosing the best types of wine to can, it’s important to remember that not all canned wine will match what’s in the bottle.
Which Is Better: Canned or Bottled Wine?
It’s difficult to say whether canned or bottled wine is better. While many people will say that they prefer bottled, even if they will drink canned, a blind taste test showed that there was virtually no difference when it came to preference. It appears that consumers aren’t choosing between buying canned or bottled wine and are instead buying both based on their needs.
One reason canned wine may taste different is that you get the taste of the aluminum can along with the wine, particularly if you drink straight from the can instead of pouring it into a glass. Many winemakers also tend to put their lower quality wines in cans, as they feel consumers aren’t willing to spend as much on canned wines.
Certain types of wine may not retain their characteristic flavors once in the can. Additionally, since most wines are canned fresh, a wine that needs to age before reaching its perfect taste won’t taste as good coming from a can.
Which Types of Canned Wine Are the Best?
Before you find yourself staring down the aisle of canned wines, it’s a good idea to know which types of canned wine are the best. Not all canned wines are created equal, so it’s important to choose wisely if you want to enjoy your drinking experience.
Whites and rosés tend to fare better than red wines in a can. Red wine needs oxygen in a bottle to give it the full flavor you love. If you want to improve the taste of any canned wine, pour it into a glass and give it a few minutes for the oxygen to hit it before drinking.
When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Drink Canned Wine
Canned wine isn’t meant to replace bottled wine as your beverage of choice. Instead, you may opt for canned wine in situations where bottled wine isn’t an option or isn’t ideal. For example, many outdoor activities, such as the beach or pool, won’t allow for glass bottles.
If you’re out for a picnic or on a hike, canned wine is much easier to pack in your bag and will stay cold longer than a bottle. The best canned wine is fresh, so you should buy it when you’re ready to drink it.
You shouldn’t opt for canned wine if you want the full wine experience or if you want something more sophisticated. If you want to drink red or aged wine, it’s best to stick with a bottle.
Also, if you don’t plan to finish off your wine, a bottle is preferable, as you can stick the cork back in and drink it later.
Pros and Cons of Canned Wine
There are many reasons people are choosing canned wine, and a few reasons not to. Read on to see why canned wine may or may not be a good choice for you.
Pros
- Canned wine is more portable and can be used in places glass bottles can’t, like the beach or pool.
- It comes in several sizes, so you don’t have to buy more or less than you want.
- Cans are more environmentally friendly, as they’re easier to recycle than glass.
- It’s often more affordable than bottled wine.
- The wine stays cold longer in a can.
Cons
- There’s no way to save the extra like you can with a corked bottle.
- Not all wines taste good in a can.
- There aren’t as many options as you’ll find in bottled. Your favorite wine may not be available in a can.
- It’s not a good option if you prefer aged wine.
- Some varieties can be costlier than their bottled counterparts.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons that canned wine’s popularity is on the rise. It’s convenient and is in the perfect package when you want to take your wine on the go.
Fortunately, many wineries are responding to this newfound popularity and canning more flavors and perfecting the process, making canned wine much better than it used to be.
