Can Do

By Glenn Bardgett

We are experiencing a meteoric rise in the popularity of serious canned wines. Early offerings were often sweet, but 2018 brings us quality usually found in traditional glass. Like screw tops, aluminum packaging is just the latest change for wine consumers, so don’t fear that missing cork. A wood cork does nothing for the majority of wines, which are consumed very soon after purchase. (I even have doubts as to the benefit of long-term aging with a cork. A natural cork is a sponge, risking cork taint, which will ruin a wine.)

Cans are more convenient than bottles. They’re light, portable, easy to open, easy to recycle and take up less space in a cooler – exactly what you need for float trips, picnics, hiking, camping and sipping on your deck or by the pool. Just be careful – the standard beer can size is actually half a wine bottle. The smaller sized cans, 187 and 250 milliliters, are closer to a large glass or two.

Blends seem to be more popular than single varietals, but there is something for everyone. Check your retailers’ shelves and do a tasting. Don’t be skeptical – pop some tops.

Cans are light, portable, easy to open, easy to recycle and take up less space in a cooler.

Scarpetta Frico Frizzante: Fizzy, fresh and clean, this Italian sparkling makes for great prosecco-style sipping.

4-pack 187-milliliter cans: $11. Wine & Cheese Place, 9755 Manchester Road, Rock Hill, 314.962.8150, wineandcheeseplace.com

Sans Sauvignon Blanc: This wine is made for grown-ups. It’s very varietally correct.

1 can: $10. Wine & Cheese Place, 9755 Manchester Road, Rock Hill, 314.962.8150, wineandcheeseplace.com

Butternut Chardonnay: Butternut is a solid chardonnay with no oak – just aluminum.

1 can: $8. Randall’s Wines & Spirits, 1910 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 314.865.0199, shoprandalls.com

Joe to Go Rosé: This pretty pinot noir-based rosé was my favorite from the Joe to Go series.

1 can: $7. Dierbergs, 1080 Lindemann Road, Des Peres, 314.238.0400, dierbergs.com

Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir: Try this juicy, balanced can chilled. It offers pinot cherry flavors and an attractive color.

1 can: $6. The Wine Merchant, 7817 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.863.6282, winemerchantltd.com