[drink] Boxed Wine: Better Than You Thought
Today’s boxed wine isn’t your grandma’s Franzia. It’s inexpensive, stays fresh for weeks and is easy on the environment. And, believe it or not, it’s good.
Ok, maybe not good like a 2006 Peay Vineyards Scallop Shelf Estate Pinot Noir (one of Food & Wine Magazine’s top wines of 2009), which will set you back $55, but definitely good enough for those of us who don’t (completely) turn up our noses at a glass of Yellowtail Shiraz.
Boxed wine makes up over 50% of the wine market in Australia. France and the UK are also big boxed wine consumers. And, according to the October 2009 issue of Wine Business Monthly, boxed wine now makes up 10% of the US wine market.
While Wichita liquor stores don’t seem to carry the number of boxed wines available in other parts of the country, there are still plenty of decent options to choose from.
After highly scientific, um, research, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best boxed wines available in Wichita liquor stores:
- Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon ($19 for 3 liters) - Medium-bodied with hints of blackberry and vanilla. Finishes nicely. Just as tasty as some of my other favorite Cabs that come in bottles.
- Bota Box Pinot Grigio ($19 for 3 liters) – A refrigerator staple during the summer months, this crisp, fruity white is refreshing and perfect with fish, salads and lighter pastas.
- Black Box Shiraz ($22 for 3 liters) – Full-bodied with hints of black cherry, currants and pepper. I prefer the Black Box Shiraz over Bota’s.
- Black Box Sauvignon Blanc ($22 for 3 liters) – This varietal of Black Box isn’t as easy to find in the Wichita area as the others, but it’s a great bet. New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are my favorite whites with their lime and gooseberry aromas. A perfect warm weather option.
Tip: don’t like that box o’ wine after all? Use it for cooking or turn it into a big pitcher of sangria.
Have you given boxed wine a taste? Tell us about your favorites (and which to avoid) in the comments.
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I have been a boxed wine avoider for years. Hubs recently brought home a Black Box Pinot Grigio and I had to try it, seeing how I am the only wine drinker in the house. And, suprisingly, I really liked it. I usually don’t spend less than $25 on a bottle of wine, my taste have gotten pricer as the candles on my birthday cakes have piled up. Black Box I like and will buy again and I’ll try your other suggestions too. The little boxes fit nice into the bar mini frig and since they keep so long, I will have good wine at a good price on hand for visitors, which is always a good thing.
Slap the bag, anyone? JK.
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