When good friends whip out a bagnum

There are times when you just need a decent wine that is easily accessible.

You are heading to the beach, perhaps, or having a picnic, or a few friends around for a barbecue.

Bottles are unwieldly, casks just a little unreliable. What might fit the bill is a bagnum.

Australian wine brand Rewild has just launched its new eco-conscious bagnum format - joining a growing number of brands that offer the combo of decent drinking and lightweight convenience.

The Rewild bagnum options are 2023 chardonnay, 2023 sauvignon blanc and 2022 shiraz produced by Duxton Vineyards.

All are very drinkable at a price point that effectively sits them at under $10 a bottle, with the sauvignon blanc extremely varietal and refreshing, the stone fruit-driven chardonnay very decent and the shiraz at pub by-the-glass level.

All three wines are 100% Vegan friendly and the bagnums are designed to be shared, with each unit holding 1.5 litres (or the equivalent of 2x750ml glass bottles).

Rewild senior winemaker Tony Allen says the bagnum format gives wine-lovers a sustainable, convenient and affordable option:

“The consumer mindset when it comes to wine packaging is changing, with eco-conscious wine drinkers now appreciating that a bagnum format offers many benefits," he said.

"Not only does the bagnum hold more than a standard wine bottle, it also keeps wine fresher for longer [up to 30 days] once opened when compared to traditional bottled wine.

"With the packaging being at least 90% lighter than glass - and available at an affordable price point for 1.5 litres - the Rewild bagnum is perfect for outdoor group events or gatherings, or for those looking for a delicious yet affordable option.”

So not for a dinner party, perhaps, but certainly good pizza, pasta, picnic wines. All the fruit comes from vineyards in the Southern Murray Darling region.

Rewild bagnums are available at Dan Murphy’s stores starting from from $17.99.

See http://rewildwine.com.au/

Are you ready to enjoy your wine from a bagnum?

Looking for a wine to take to the beach, or on a picnic?

Bottles are heavy, casks can be unwieldy. So how about a bagnum? 

Wines from Wolf Blass and Squealing Pig - both part of the Treasury Wine Estates stable - are now available in 1.5-litre carry bags, which have been dubbed bagnums as they contain the same amount of wine as two bottles.

The bagnums are lightweight and easy to carry and designed for summer entertaining. The blurb says they "offer convenience that doesn’t compromise on the quality".

You can also easily take home whatever wine is left over and pop it back into the fridge  

The Squealing Pig wines are a sauvignon blanc and a pinot gris.

Wolf Blass, meanwhile, has produced three varietals in a 1.5-litre format, including Wolf Blass Chardonnay, Wolf Blass Shiraz Cabernet and Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon.

The wines are described as "soft and approachable". I'll report back after I have tried them.

The bagnums are billed as having seven times lower carbon emissions than a traditional 750ml glass bottle and it is easier throw one into the esky than two glass bottles.

“The Squealing Pig style has always been to produce approachable, flavour-packed, fun wines," says Kaushik Lal, Squealing Pig’s senior brand manager.

"The expansion into Bagnums felt like a natural extension for this already playful and irreverent brand."

Shehan Ananthakumar, Wolf Blass’ senior brand manager, said: "“When it came to an iconic brand like Wolf Blass, it gave us the perfect platform to play in this category as its reputation for quality, character and exceptional winemaking can be extended into a valued product that will be enjoyed by all and for all occasions.”

Bagnums are available exclusively to Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores and are priced beteeen $28-$32. 

UPDATE: I have sampled the full range and there are two standouts. The sauvignon blanc is impressively bright and varietal - a terrific summer wine. The Wolf Blass cabernet sauvignon is of excellent quality and maintained its appeal a week after being opened.