Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/188061
Single-Serve Surprise COPA DI VINO Muscat Canelli Love MOSCATO ALLEGRO Packaged in 100%-recyclable sealed plastic containers, Copa Di Vino is gaining recognition across the country, a growing fan base of consumers who deem the wine worthy of toting to concerts, picnics and poolside. The wines are sold in 42 states and are packaged as singles ($2.99), 3-packs ($8.99) and coming soon, President Jaime Guisto 12-packs ($23.99). shows off the impressive With production Copa Di Vino lineup. facilities in the Dalles, Oregon and sourcing the grapes from Washington's Columbia Valley, it's the little 187 ml. wine-by-the-cup that could. Grown in the fertile soils off a San Joaquin Valley 40-acre vineyard in California's Central Valley, Moscato Allegro ($12) is made from 80% Muscat Canelli grapes. Light, sweet and refreshing, the 2012 vintage blends in 20% Chenin Blanc and maintains a 7.73 percent residual sugar. The grapes are cold fermented in stainless steel with a select yeast strain that maximizes the varietal character. The racy acidity balances out the sugar and as expected, the aromatics are intensely floral. Speed Notes from the Panel: "A portable wine that tastes good! This pear and citrus Pinot Grigio is crisp and clean, with a lime tart finish." ─Jacqueline Stoll "The plastic container makes it perfect for boating or camping. Surprisingly good for a nonbottled wine."─Scott Shumate Speed Notes from the Panel: "We have been selling Moscato Allegro for a long time: it's the BMW of Moscatos from California." ─Zack Romaya "Light and sweet with generous honeysuckle on the nose and palate. Tangerine and blood orange blossom from the glass and it has a bright acidity." ─Brandon Coyle Pouch Perfect CROCTAILS Think of it as an Arnold Palmer with a kick, in a wine-based, ready-tomixed-drink pouch. Well, Palmer would birdie this one and steal the show. Croctails Sweet Tea Lemonade is made with real tea and real sugar. At 9.9% abv, this 3.75 pouched RTD ($2.99 each or two for $5) ups the ante in alcohol and reaps rewards on taste—no chemical smell or cloying aftertaste. The attached straw makes the sipping even simpler. Flavors include Strawberry Daiquiri, Mojito and Golden Margarita. Croctails "freeze" as a slushie style drink, not solid like a popsicle and they are all made with real (orange-based) fruit juice. Speed Notes from the Panel: "Long gone are the negative perception of drinking cocktails from a pouch. This is a stand-out in taste and convenience." ─Layne Nguyen "Like Capri Sun for adults: tastes great—smooth and refreshing." ─Trish Watlington Jim Moeller of GoPouch Beverages. october 2013 / the tasting panel / 131 TP1013_104-152.indd 131 9/23/13 10:36 PM