Running out of clever disguises to wear in the boxed wine aisle at your local supermarket? Well, sneak them into the house no more! Boxed wines are finally cool?! Yeah, we said it!
We’re talking innovative packaging, longer storage times and upgrades in both quality and overall consumer value.
SO WHAT’S A BOX WINE ANYWAY?
A box wine (a.k.a. boxed wine, bag- in-a-box wine, cask wine) is a wine packaged as a bag-in-box. Essentially, a plastic bladder protected by a box, usually made of corrugated fiberboard and then filled with wine – historically, not so great wine, but that’s all changing!
WHY DOES THIS EXIST AND WHOM SHOULD WE THANK FOR IT?
Thomas Angove, a winemaker from Australia, invented and patented the idea of boxed wine back in 1965. Go Aussies! A big cost saving measure for the winemaker: it was cheaper than bottles and much easier to store and transport, not to mention considerably lighter and more environmentally friendly.
5 REASONS TO TRY BOX WINE
1. Stays fresh longer:
As boxed wines are housed in airtight bags, oxidation is prevented during dispensing. As a result, the life of the wine is significantly preserved. If stored at the right temperature, a box wine can be kept fresh for 4-6 weeks after opening
2. Cheaper:
As expensive corks, closures and heavy glass bottles are not used in the packaging, boxed wines tend to be cheaper per Liter than bottled varieties
3. More bang for your buck:
A typical 3 Liter boxed wine container holds roughly the equivalent of 4 bottles of standard sized wine and will probably run you the cost of 3 of those bottles. Enough said
4. Less accidental spoilage:
Wave goodbye to common spoilage issues such as cork taint
5. Environmentally friendly:
Less traditional packaging means less material to recycle!
WHICH BOXED WINE SHOULD I TRY?
1. Domaine Le Garrigon Côtes-du-Rhône 2010
Winemaker’s Notes:
Aromas of red fruit and herbs, fresh and lightly tannic, lingering flavors of fruit and minerals.
2. Bandit Pinot Grigio 2008
Winemaker’s Notes:
Clear, brilliant and light straw in color. The aromas are of citrus, apple, and pear with citrus and apple in the mouth. The body is light and crisp, with perfect balance of sweet and tart. The Pinot Grigio is beyond delicious with any kind of food.
3. Yellow and Blue Malbec 2009
Winemaker’s Notes:
A medium to full bodied organic wine with fine tannins and a long, mineral laden finish.
4. From the Tank Côtes-du-Rhône Vin Rouge 2007
Winemaker’s Notes:
From a wine cooperative of local growers in the south of France comes this high quality, powerful blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan grapes. Delicious from beginning to end, it has dark cherry notes that make it particularly tasty with meat hot off the grill.
5. Würtz Riesling 2008
Winemaker’s Notes:
Light citrus, herbal and floral aromas; serve well chilled.
