10 Best Boxed Wines
Boxed wines get a bad rap. Forget the Franzia stigma and open your mind to the economic and ecological benefits of the BIB (bag in box). With some of the world’s top distributors and winemakers thinking inside the box, the quality matches the quantity in the following favorites.
Sant Evasio Barbera
$25, 3L
Word on the street (and by “street” I mean the wine aisle at Whole Foods) is that this easy-drinking Italian red is served by the glass at some of the finer Italian restaurants… at least in downtown Asheville. A great fall porch wine, it stays fresh for 45 days after opening — but I dare you to make it last that long.
Fuori Strada “Off Road” Sangiovese – 2010
$12.99, 1L
Fruit-forward, yet balanced with a hint of spice. Goes great with grilled veggies! This Italian red couldn’t be more green: it’s made with organic grapes, comes in eco-friendly packaging, plus they are part of 1% for the Planet. It’s like saving the world, one glass at a time.
Bota Box RedVolution
$19.99, 3L
You’ll see mixed reviews for all of the Bota Box varieties (people seem to love it or hate it), but I’m a fan. Like most of my favorite boxes, this one’s a blend. A combo of Merlot, Cab, Zin, Syrah and Petite Sirah, it’s a great everyday red.
Big House White
$22, 3L
A longtime fan of Big House Wines, I was cautiously optimistic when it started coming out in box form. Could this crisp, crowd-pleasing blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Malvasia Bianca, Orange Muscat and Muscat Canelli sip as well from the tap as it does from the bottle? The answer is thankfully, “yes”. If you’re not familiar with Big House, don’t let the pretty packaging fuel your skeptical side… it is as good as it looks.