We know, we know… Pinot Noir in a can seems like a bold statement. After all, this isn’t just any red wine. Pinot is delicate, nuanced, and notoriously particular in how it’s grown and poured. So when we set out to bring it to you in portable form, we knew this was going to be a challenge, because if we’re going to do it, we had to do it right or not at all.
People are skeptical about wine in cans, especially when it comes to red varieties like Pinot. Which is why we took the challenge seriously, because if you can finally get a great California pinot delivered in a lightweight, recyclable, portable format... that’s not just convenient, it’s revolutionary.
At Just Enough Wines, we have spent years fine-tuning our production process from grape to can to ensure that we keep the structure, aromatics, and integrity of the wine; something a sommelier could stand behind. Every detail matters here, from working with premium grapes to the quality aluminum cans that we use.
Here’s a sommelier-approved guide to evaluating canned Pinot Noir, without compromising on taste, quality, or terroir.
What Makes a Great Pinot Noir? A Sommelier's Checklist
What differs between an everyday pinot noir to the top-notch quality ones? The majority of sommeliers believe that it starts with the structure.
#1 Taste
The balanced acidity, the subtle soft tannins, and the signature notes of red fruits like cherry or cranberry add a dash of spice, and you’re getting the elements that create an exquisite Pinot Noir. While these might just seem like some fancy words, these are adjectives that describe how well a wine is grown and crafted.
#2 AVA
Geography matters a lot, too. When looking at the most expressive California pinot, you’d notice they come from rather cool-climate AVAs like the Central Coast or Sonoma. The foggy mornings and long ripening seasons add that distinct, nuanced flavor profile. That’s the reason why we are proud to produce Central Coast, CA appellated Pinot Noir vintage after vintage. Making of a great wine, after all, starts in the Vineyard.
#3 Quality
What are some other quality indicators? Look at whether the wine is vintage specific, meaning it lists a distinct year. And with the winemaker's technique: barrel aging, fermentation type, blends, etc. It's very clear that there is a spectrum of quality that leads to a pinot noir worthy of sipping.
Want to know how we delicately crafted our delicious Pinot Noir with care and intention? Take a peek at our conscious winemaking.
Why Central Coast, California Pinot Noir Shines in Cans
California Pinot is known for its signature bright red fruit, smooth texture on your palate, and balanced structure. It’s fruit-forward without being overwhelming. The fruity acidity is balanced out by soft tannins, forming an unforgettable harmony. Perfect if you want to just leisurely sip on your own, or to pair with some great foods and friends.
As wine in a can, pinot noir can bring the same sophistication and charm to celebratory moments without requiring a corkscrew or wine glass. Be it a beach outing or hosting a family dinner in the backyard, canned Pinot Noir takes the spotlight immediately. A red that presents itself beautifully, without the need for a wine fridge or decanter.
We craft our Central Coast, California Pinot Noir, using grapes that are grown in sustainably certified vineyards. Each can is made with a similar commitment to quality as a fine bottle of wine. Just lighter and comparatively more portable.
How Does Canned Pinot Noir Taste? Tasting Notes to Know
Our newly released 2023 Pinot Noir greets you with fruit-forward notes of fresh red cherry, coupled with dried cloves and vanilla bean to bring in some spice and boldness to the long finish. Although it remains soft and subtle on the tannins, this wine offers some really complex, layered fruity notes, keeping it smooth, bright, and true to its varietal. If you’re someone who enjoys fruit-forward wines without it being too much, this wine should be right up your alley.
To get the ideal experience, serve it slightly chilled, at 55-60°F, and you’d have yourself the perfect temperature without missing out on the aromas. Pour our perfectly portioned can into a proper glass and give it a whirl to burst open the aromatics. Even though these come in cans, everything about the experience is just as full as if you were drinking it from a bottle.
And yes, this is still "real wine" made with care, premium grapes, and intention in every can. We believe that convenience should never compromise on quality. Shop our newly released 2023 Pinot Noir and taste the difference yourself.
The Best Pinot Noir Food Pairings
Pinot Noir is very versatile and compatible when it comes to pairing with food. It works especially with a variety of t meals and flavors like roasted chicken, salmon, or mushroom risotto. The balanced acidity and light body also complement soft cheeses like brie or camembert really well. These classic food pairings illustrate how adaptable this red can truly be.
Since it is wine in cans, it fits in the casual occasions amazingly well: think charcuterie boards or grilled vegetables for a casual, laid-back setup. Pairs perfectly well for a family brunch on the patio, a sunny day at the beach, or to stack nicely into your cooler for a picnic. No corks in sight; just chill, pop, and pour.
You can reach out for your canned pinot noir for date nights, camping weekends, or simply a hike to a scenic view. It does elevate every outing and weighs less than most things you'll pack. Wherever you're headed, this red will make the food and the moment even better.
How to Spot the Best Canned Pinot Noir on the Market
Always check the label. A good quality Pinot Noir should state its appellation (i.e., Central Coast) and vintage clearly. This also emphasizes the grape sourcing practices and notes, which in turn indicate if it was made in more specific lots or through conscious winemaking.
Just Enough Wines was created to differ from the traditional wine-in-can offerings. Our wine is crafted by wine experts, with sustainably-grown grapes from top-notch AVAs in California. The output is experienced in each sip: bold, balanced, and unbelievably real flavors. Zero compromises and zero shortcuts.
Why Our Canned Pinot Noir Deserves a Place in Your Cooler
This isn't just pinot noir; this is thoughtfully crafted wine, made with care so that it can be taken on any adventure. With a bright, fruit-forward flavor profile and thoughtful infrastructure to create sustainable packaging, you can enjoy good quality, portable wine in a guilt-free, relaxing sense.
Sitting by a mountain top, on a picnic blanket, or on the couch, it's time we entirely change our minds about what red can be. We create the best pinot noir to be enjoyed on any kind of adventure.
