RAISE A GLASS

It’s Picnic Month. It might also be standing in a queue at an airport month, or, oooh, let’s grab some of that sun while it’s out there month.

However your days are shaping up, I hope you’re finding enjoyment in something glass-shaped.

Or perhaps can-shaped. Many believe that wine in cans is the future. They’re more eco-friendly than bottles, but the quality (for the majority of the ones on the market) needs a bit of work.

I sipped a can of Vin Crowd Pink Spritz (£2.25, 250ml can, the Co-op).

I love the name Vin Crowd, but what of the wine in this summery picnic-perfect offering?

I poured it in a glass (no can sipping for me, though of course that’s your choice) and the aromas spoke to me of cranberry, redcurrant and rosehip. The fizz was a pleasant prickle, the flavours didn’t last so long.

There’s a sister spritz, Vin Crowd Botanical Spritz, which is a combination of raspberries and juniper.

Now on to another brand perfectly shaped for festivals and the like.

Vin du Can offers three styles: Vin du Can Pale Rosé (£26 for 12 x 187ml, Amazon); Vin du Can Sauvignon Blanc (RRP £28 for 12 x 187ml, Amazon or by the can at Sainsbury’s, RRP £2); Vin du Can Argentinian Malbec (RRP £51 for 24 x 187ml, Amazon).

The pink? Mmmm, well it’s pink and, and, and moving on. The sauvignon blanc? A bit more to say here, with a juicy fruity style and more of a flavour statement. The red is a notch up, it’s a full-bodied red with an immediate sense of dark fruits and toast. Don’t expect a palate powerhouse, but if you’re trundling across fields with wine in a rucksack, then hey. And finally…

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) held its annual awards last week. Naked Wines won IWC Online Retailer of the Year for the first time; and The Wine Society triumphed as Wine Club of the Year (amongst other awards).

Waitrose was Supermarket of the Year for the third year in a row. Tesco took the trophies for both Great Value Sparkling (Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne NV, £21) and Great Value Champion Red (Tesco Finest Montepulciano D’abruzzo 2019, £7) as well as being crowned IWC Own Label Range of the Year.

Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.