Underwood Wine In a Can – Willamette Valley Pinot for the Unpretentious

Wine in a can?? We investigate with the Underwood Pinot Gris and Underwood Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon.

Here at Reverse Wine Snob we’re nonpartisan when it comes to wine and wine closures. Corks, screw caps, Zorks, tetrapaks, boxes — it’s all good. We’re focused on what’s inside the vessel rather than the shape or form of it. Wine a can, however, is a bit different. Sure, you can pour it into a glass and drink it just like you would wine from a bottle, but what about drinking straight out of the can like we do so many other beverages? Is this sacrilege or modernity?

The can makes a lot of economic, environmental and practical sense. They are much lighter, sturdier and more convenient than bottles. They are recycled at a much higher rate than glass. And the modern and completely safe liners in aluminum cans prevent metal flavors from leaking in. But as someone who loves to swirl and sniff their wine, does the can just take away too much of that enjoyment?

My answer to that question is a resounding…NO. Despite the fact that you can’t really swirl it, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of drinking wine out of a can. Perhaps the novelty of it would wear off after a while, but when the occasion calls for it I would not hesitate to consume my wine in this fashion.

The key is, of course, making sure the can is filled with something good and that’s where most of the offerings on the market come up short. Today we’ve got two excellent examples from Union Wine Company in Oregon.

The grapes are sourced primarily from the Willamette and Umpqua Valleys in Oregon and the wine retails for $24 for four 375ml bottles. This equates to a $12 bottle, which is extremely reasonable for Pinot from Oregon. Both wines were samples submitted for review.

First up is the Underwood Pinot Noir.

From the can:

Union Wine Co. brings the spirit and character of Oregon to wines you can put on your table every day. We believe that the contents are more important than the container; that good wine should be able to go anywhere.

We love our wine, we just don’t drink it with our pinkies in the air.

#PINKIESDOWN

Notes: Cherry, Blackberry, Cola.

13% Alcohol

The 2013 Underwood Pinot Noir begins with pleasant aromas (although a bit muted out of the can) of plum, red and black cherry, cola and a hint of cranberry. Tasting reveals a pretty classic and smooth Oregon Pinot full of cola, black cherry and plum with a hint of spice. Very easy to drink, the can (which is the equivalent of a half of bottle of wine) almost dares you to take another sip and is gone before you know it. It ends long with more black cherry and cola flavors. At such a low price for solid Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and with this unique form factor, this might just be the ultimate Pinot Noir for the 99!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

Second is the Underwood Pinot Gris.

From the winery:

It’s hard to keep your pinky up when you’re drinking wine from a 375 mL can. This is the most approachable and ready-to-travel anywhere wine we produce. Whether you’re sitting in a hot tub after a good day of riding or heading where other wines dare not travel, we have you covered without sacrificing the craft taste Union is known for.

Underwood Pinot Gris tasting notes: Peach, grapefruit, and pear.

13% Alcohol

The 2013 Underwood Pinot Gris opens with an attractive aroma of tangerine, pear and some light floral notes. Tasting reveals more pear plus peach, lemon and grapefruit along with the perfect touch of pleasing effervescence. The medium length finish features lingering grapefruit notes that entice you to take another sip. While the wine may not offer a ton of complexity, the whole experience is just downright refreshing!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.