The 2008 vintage has been released. Kirin’s latest alcoholic offerings have been expanded to canned wines, for better or for worser. Rose Sparkling and Chardonnay Sparkling are on shelves now, at your local 24-hour. I’ve conducted tastings of both new varietals, and present here my tasting notes.

KIRIN Rose Sparkling 4% alc/vol

Appearance: Lavender violet with a profusion of bubbles.
Nose: Grape Fanta and candy factory.
Palate: Grape Jolly Rancher as it hits the tongue. A hint of cola with overtones of Welch’s grape juice, and once again Grape Fanta, consistent with the nose. Neither fresh nor expressive, but punchy and aggressive. Rapidly veers off into a flat, thin, somewhat dry, metallic acidity. No tannins can be ascertained. It has grip but no structure, especially at finish. A long finish, nearly a minute, with bitter grape acidity. Overall this has a syrupy, sprightly character. Don’t expect much and this is a great summer refresher and superb value for money, at less than 6 rmb.
Window: now – eternity (pull-tab top)
Stockist: Lawson’s, All Days
Sweetness: Full on smashing with sugars, possibly of a corn derivative.
Body: Slim.
Food match: KFC’s spicy chicken sandwich.
Conclusion: Surprisingly refreshing, considering the lack of balance or complexity. A passable introduction to canned wines.

KIRIN Chardonnay Sparkling 4% alc/vol

Appearance: Golden straw color with large rapidly subsiding bubbles.
Nose: White grape juice, pear and hints of lychee.
Palate: White grape and intense canned lychee, but lacks backbone and weight. A limp, syrupy finish; I would put my 5 rmb on the Rose, or better yet, go for the KIRIN Grapefruit, which is head and shoulders the winner in the Kirin 2008 vintage class.
Sweetness: Drenched in cloying syrup, no relief in sight.
Body: Anorexic.
Food match: Lawson’s curry fish balls.
Conclusion: You could make your own with a bottle of Sprite, the liquid from some canned pears or lychees, and half a cup of that chardonnay that’s been in your fridge for 2 months. Maybe add an eyedropper-ful of vodka.

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