Boxed wine has been the topic of many heated debates.
But depending on your expectations, there are goodquality boxed wines available that, if given a chance, might move discerning wine drinkers off their blanket rejection of the product.
In 1965, Australian winemaker Thomas Angove, seeking a more practical and cheaper method of packaging wine, came up with a resealable plastic bag in a cardboard box. It evolved into our modern boxed wine. Angove died at age 92 in March.
“Boxed” wine is packaged in a sealed bag, usually inside a cardboard box with a spigot. As wine is drawn out the flexible bag collapses, protecting the remaining wine from air spoilage. The packaging also offers efficiencies in storage and transportation.
Boxed wine offers some advantages over traditional glass bottles — it is easy to open and will stay fresh for weeks after it is opened.
Consumers interested in boxed wines will find many price and quality options to explore, and the past 10 years have seen marked improvement in packaging and choices.
These wines come in 3-liter boxes, making them all VALUES.
- 2008 Bota Box Shiraz, California (about $16 retail)
- 2008 Black Box Merlot, California (about $25 retail)
- 2008 Fish Eye Pinot Grigio, California (about $19 retail)
- 2008 Red Truck Mini Barrel, California (about $29 retail)