This week we had the opportunity to taste four releases from Castoro de Oro Estate Winery, including wines packaged in 250 ml cans. Bruno Kelle and Stella Schmidt are the owners of this winery located on the Golden Mile in Oliver. For background information on the winery please see my earlier post here.
“We love to be innovative! Our philosophy is to make handcrafted 100% BC wines at the best value possible, and our wine-in-a-can takes that dream one step further. We are so excited to offer elegant, convenient cans of our award-winning wines and look forward to seeing all the places they will travel to!”
Stella Schmidt, Co-owner and assistant winemaker, Castoro de Oro Winery
“Wine in a Can” Market Research
A number of research papers have been written on the project growth for wine in cans.
“Researchers from Texas Tech University surveyed nearly 1,000 respondents ages 21 to 88, and found 250-ml. cans are the most popular size for consumers,” says Lozoff of Latitude Beverage. “For one, consumers want single-serve cans they can easily throw in their tote and bring to the beach, park, campsite or anywhere else glass is prohibited. And when they’re home, consumers like the option of cracking open a single can at a time. Aluminium cans are also easier to recycle than bottles, which appeals to a younger, more eco-minded generation.” <1>
“The growth of wine in cans has been explosive, 70-80% year over year, affecting everything from still to sparkling wines, both domestic and imported. Furthermore, cans are becoming the container of choice for beverages like water, coffee, energy drinks, beer, cider, CBD drinks, as well as soda. In fact, Bouwer points out that the big soda companies have left the plastics lobby as cans are becoming more popular across the board.” <2>
In the US market, canned wines saw explosive growth last year of 70% <3,4,>
Now for the Castoro de Oro wine-tasting notes.
Castoro de Oro Viogner 2017
The viognier has a pale straw colour. On the nose, ripe peaches with exotic aromas of orange blossom. Flavours of yellow peach, nectarine, honeydew melon, hazelnut, citrus, a blast of honey and a hint of white pepper. The wine has a luxurious viscous mouthfeel and a medium-long finish. 91 Points.
Paired perfectly with Pan-Fried Sole with horseradish, mayonnaise and lemon sauce.
Castoro de Oro Heart of Gold 2017
This vibrant white blend takes its name from the song made famous by Canadian Rock Icon, Neil Young. The wine is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Vidal, Siegfried and Viognier.
The wine starts with aromatic aromas of ripe fruit. The flavours are an explosion of fresh fruit salad including pineapple, red apple, apricot, honeydew melon and more. A smooth rich mouthfeel with a touch of bitterness on the finish to refresh the palate. 89 points.
“JUDGES SELECTION” White Blends, Alberta Beverage Awards 2019 (Judges Selection means one of the top 10 of all submitted INTERNATIONAL or domestic wines!)
BEST WHITE Alberta Winefest 2020 People’s Choice Awards YYC (Calgary)
Castoro de Oro Pinot Duetto Rosé 2017
This was my first BC Rosé in a can and I must say it exceeded my expectations. The bold off-dry Rosé is a vibrant red colour and is made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. The Rosé exhibits beautiful aromas of cherries and strawberries. On the palate, well-balanced acidity, flavours of red cherries, raspberries, strawberries and strong rhubarb and cranberry notes of the long finish. 91 Points. The wine is definitely the “Rosé for the red drinker”.
Best Rosé Calgary & Best Rosé Runner-Up at the Edmonton, Alberta Winefest People’s Choice Awards.
Castoro de Oro Merlot
Southern Okanagan Merlot in a can with homemade Pizza, it doesn’t get any better!
A big bold wine, full-bodied with a dense garnet red colour. Aromas of blueberry, black cherry and cocoa. On the palate, raisin, black fruit, stewed plum, dark chocolate and leather with a hint of nutmeg. Silky smooth tannins and a long finish. Ready to drink right now. 90 Points
BEST RED runner up Alberta Winefest 2020 People’s Choice Awards YYC (Calgary)
You can order these great value BC wines by visiting the Castoro de Oro Estate Winery website.
References
- Why Wine Packaging has Evolved, Beverage Dynamics
- Wine in Cans will represent 10% of Market in 2025, Wine Industry Advisor.
- Is The Future Of Wine In The Can? Michelle Williams
- Two Cheers for Canned Wine Mike Veseth
I would love to hear your comments on “How you feel about BC wine in a CAN”.