We’re popping the top on a summer series including the best canned wines, inventive ways to keep your vino chilled, wines that actually quench your thirst, and the chilled red wine trend.
Let’s start with canned wines—the ideal summer companion for pool parties, concerts, manning the grill and beach trips. The benefits include easy icing, storage, and clean-up during sweltering, lazy months. And some cans include calorie counts—try finding that intel on a standard glass wine bottle.
Photo courtesy of Underwood
Underwood Wine
Union Wine Co. produces these approachable, quality wines for easy transport. With peach, strawberry and watermelon notes and a slightly dry floral finish, the rosé is right on for summer celebrations. Other varietals include a smooth pinot noir and a reliably crisp and dry pinot gris. The Oregon-based company also sells bottled wines worth seeking.
Buy it: Trader Joe’s, Spec’s; $28 for a 4-pack
Courtesy photo.
The Infinite Monkey Theorem
Launched in 2011 by owner Ben Parsons, this urban Denver winery was one of the first to sell canned wines. The best of the varietals, the red wine, is great for burger-in-the-backyard moments (especially chilled); the white wine is dry and slightly carbonated. Rosé is fruitier but nevertheless refreshing. The company, with a tap room in Austin, also produces bottled and kegged wine.
Buy it: HEB, Trader Joe’s, Target; $15 for a 4-pack
Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs
Introduced in 2004 by Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, California, these Instagram worthy cans (complete with a bendable mini straws) hold crisp sparkling white wine bursting with notes of ripe summer melon and honeysuckle. New to the collection is Sofia rosé, a pretty blend of pinot noir and chardonnay styled after Sofia Coppola’s favorite sparkling rosés of Loir and Alsace in France. Over-the-top packaging makes this wine great for a housewarming gift.
Buy it: Whole Foods, Central Market, HEB, Spec’s, Total Wine; $20 for a 4-pack of minis
Tiamo Organic Rosé
This was one of the best canned rosé wines we tried; hence, it sells out fast. Dry with a bouquet of strawberries and floral accents like an Italian rosé should be, tote this along and you’ll crush it at any backyard barbecue. After all, good rosé is the undisputed queen of the summer terrace.
Buy it: Central Market; $20 for a 4-pack of 375-ml cans. White wine (Sicilian Grillo) also available in 4-pack cans.
Presto Sparkling Cuvée
Crisp green apple, tropical notes and lively effervescence with a touch of yeastiness on the finish are hallmarks of this winning Italian Prosecco. For a picnic, bring a four pack along with a bottle of orange juice for mimosas on-the-go.
Buy it: Whole Foods Market; $13 for a 4-pack of minis
Staff photo
The Drop
This fruity wine will have you saying yes way, rosé! Its bright blend of chenin blanc, syrah and zinfandel is quaffable and invigorating. The California wine company also produces a full-bodied white wine blend with a slight effervescence.
Buy it or try it: D&Q and Pi Pizza; $20 for a 4-pack, $7 per can
Lila Wines
Slim and oh-so-portable (think purse and swimming pool), these cute cans come in Provence rosé, Italian Prosecco and Italian pinot grigio. While the rosé was rather sweet, our favorite was the crisp, light and citrusy pinot grigio—refreshing and easy to knock back.
Buy it: Kroger, World Markets all over Houston; $13 for a 4-pack of minis
A QUICK (WINE) COCKTAIL
Ramona
Like grapefruit? This effervescent white wine spritzer is made with organic Sicilian grapes and fortified with loads of tangy pink grapefruit flavors and citrus. For a change of pace, it might even be good as a margarita base served along with spicy nachos. Salud!
Try it: Camerata, Axelrad Beer Garden, Vine Wine Room, Cottonwood; about $7 per mini can.
Photo via Instagram, @DrinkRamona
*Note: prices may slightly vary per outlet.