A nip of cool white wine or a bit of velvety red adds that extra oomph to a summer picnic.

A glass of sparkling white injects a shy club-goer with a dab of courage. And a sip of rose puts the finishing touch to an 18-hole round of golf.

But who wants to deal with the hassle of toting a hefty bottle around, handling fragile glasses and fiddling with a bottle opener?

What if you no longer needed to? What if you could enjoy your wine straight from a can?



While wine in a can entered the market as early as the 1930s, technology has given a hitherto failed idea another chance. According to news reports, after its debut in America in 1936, canned wine was produced in the `50s, `70s and `80s. Yet, the product remained in the shadows.

Now, the convenient cans are hitting shelves again, bolstered by a lining that reportedly prevents the metal from giving the wine a tinny taste.

Film director Francis Ford Coppola`s winery put out their chic version of canned wine several years ago; a fanciful sparkling wine named after Coppola`s daughter, Sofia. Australian and Chilean vintages have also entered the wine market.

Though pickings are slim in Korea, the adventurous can still pop open a few canned vintages and see if these portable wines live up to the hype.

"Elkan yields about three glasses, in other words, half a bottle," said Kwang Myung Liquor Co., Ltd President Lee Chun-il, whose company distributes Elkan, a Chilean canned wine.

Lee said that a special coating inside the cans makes the wine safe to drink.

From afar, the 2007 vintage could pass for upscale soda. Up close, Elkan, outfitted in silver with a snazzy picture of vineyards as a backdrop, reminds consumers that this is Cabernet Sauvignon, not ginger ale or beer.

But right before you take a sip, there is an initial moment of doubt. Looks can be deceiving. After years of popping back Coca-Cola and beer from the can, one can only assume that a canned drink must be sweet, fizzy or both. There is also the fear that the wine will have a tinny aftertaste.

None of the six canned wines tasted possessed a metallic flavor. Had they been served in a glass, it would have been hard to tell that they came from a can at all.

Fans of tannin can opt for Elkan. A smooth and deep Cabernet Sauvignon, rich in tannins and relatively dry, Elkan exhibits a velvety texture and goes well with steak.

But not everyone is a fan of tannin.

Barokes` South Eastern Australian Cabernet Shiraz Merlot caters to those who want a sweeter vintage. Light and fruity, the wine lays round on the palate, giving off the ripe fragrance of raspberries.

Based in Australia, Barokes currently seems to have cornered the Korean canned wine market, with six vintages available for consumption.

On their official website, Barokes, which won a Gold Medal at the 2009 Berlin Wine Trophy in Germany, ensures that a "unique can lining" prevents contact between the wine and the can.

Aside from their Cabernet Shiraz Merlot, Barokes` Chardonnay Semillon, Rose and bubbly versions of all three vintages can be found in select department stores.

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The Chardonnay Semillon, a deep yellow tinged with green, harbors a sweet pear aroma. It also possesses a fizzed acidity, giving the wine a pleasant bite at the end.

The Rose, less sweet than the Chardonnay Semillon, has tart grapefruit aromas and an appealing strawberry-like fruitiness. Served chilled, it is an ideal summer picnic beverage.

The bubbly versions of the Chardonnay Semillon and the Cabernet Shiraz Merlot seem more appropriate for partygoers looking for a bit of wine before they get out on the dance floor and bust a move.

So who is popping open the can?

"Usually people who play golf, hike, go fishing, go outdoors, go to clubs and also younger consumers," Lee said.

According to a representative of Cave de Vin, the wine importation company that distributes Barokes, this year, an average of 174 cans were sold on a monthly basis from January to May 11.

However, canned wine has been slow to catch on. Wine importation company Kil Jin International stopped selling the canned Australian wine Billy Goat Hill in mid-2008.

"The biggest reason was low sales," said a representative of Kil Jin International over the phone. "Consumers exhibited a negative attitude towards the can."

"Sales are a bit slow," said Lee, referring to Elkan.

Will canned wine gain popularity?

"If Korea`s perception of wine becomes more comprehensive than I think canned wine has a future," Lee answered.

Details

Barokes is sold at 19 department stores. Wines cost approximately 6,000 won ($5.40) per can and last up to six years after can bottling. For more information visit www.cavedevin.co.kr.

Elkan is sold at select restaurants, wine and spirit shops, convenience stores and at Wine Family in Cheongdam-dong. Elkan costs 5,000 to 5,500 won per can and may be kept up to two years. For more information call (02) 511-5022 or visit www.winefamily.co.kr

By Jean Oh



(oh_jean@heraldm.com)