Peter Morrell enjoys a virtual tasting and learns that behind the wine is a very strong sustainability message featuring packaging using boxes, cans, and paper bottles

A recent virtual tasting proved to have a double message, I enjoyed five delicious Italian craft wines and as importantly heard about the progress When in Rome is making to help decarbonise the industry. They are using boxes, cans, and paper bottles to achieve that aim.

When in Rome Managing Director Rob Malin, our Tasting Tutor, explained that supplying wine with alternatively packaging generates around 10x less carbon than a single use glass bottle, whilst delivering wine in aluminium cans generates around 4x less.

This has a knock-on effect in terms of cheaper transportation, and When in Rome cans are now a firm favourite with many airlines, like BA. It means they use less fuel heaving heavy bottles of wine into the air.

After the packaging is used it is far easier to recycle. For example, the melting point of aluminium is 660c whilst for glass it is 1700c, so reprocessing is far less energy intensive.

Now onto the wines, we tasted five, which all came in 187ml cans. This packaging format has several advantages, it’s unbreakable and lighter to carry, making it ideal for taking to picnics, concerts, and sporting events.

The Wines

Sekko

This is an IGT wine made in Veneto from the Glera grape, the same as prosecco. It is a crisp, refreshing semi-sparkling white with balanced acidity and floral notes of acacia and crunchy apple.

Available from Ocoda and WHSmith Travel

Pecorino

Pecora is Italian for sheep, hence the name of the cheese. They are also partial to nibbling the grapes, so the wine is named after a sheep’s eating habits. This IGP wine is produced by the Casimirri family in the Abruzzo region. It is a crisp, refreshing white with balanced acidity and aromas of ripe yellow pear, apple and sage.

Available from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado.

Pinot Grigio

Another IGP wine from the Casimirri family, it is bold, fresh, and aromatic. This white is pleasantly fruity and floral, with hints of melon, lemon and flashes of aniseed.

Available from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, BA Speedbird Café and WHSmith Travel.

Rosato

Hailing from Puglia, this wine is made with a blend of Montepulciano, Bombino and Nero
di Troia grapes. It is a pale but intense rosé, with unmistakable notes of fresh summer fruits and a sherbet tickle.

Available from Waitrose, Ocado and WHSmith Travel.

Primitivo

Now established as a firm favourite with red drinkers, this wine is from Puglia, the spiritual home of Primitivo. There is an abundance of deep, fruity aromas in the bouquet. On the palate the red fruit is joined by good notes of chocolate and vanilla. The tannins are well-balanced making the wine feel very smooth and the fruity finish is long and persistent.

Available from the BA Speedbird Café.

This tasting was both informative and highly enjoyable, featured a good range of Italian wines. It will appeal to anyone who has concerns for the environment.

For more information and to buy the wines in cans, paper bottles and boxes go to https://www.wheninromewine.com/