A Box of Wine???

by Jon Fiume
February 1, 2006

I am sure that most of us wine drinkers have had wine from a box at one time or another. Whether at a college party, at Aunt Helen's house... well... because it's cheap, or just because it was a great bargain. However, the image of boxed wine is changing today. So much so that in the near future you may just find yourself taking a box of wine as a hostess gift to your next party.

Boxed wines are nothing new to other parts of the wine world. In Sweden, boxed wines account for at least 20% of the wine sales. In Norway, that amount doubles, and it goes up to close to 60% in Australia. Approximately 20% of wines consumed in the U.S. are from a box, and this number is expected to grow as consumer awareness and comfort increases.

The biggest obstacle to box wines, also known as cask wines, has been the notion that low end Chablis and White Zinfandels were the only choices. However, a lot of that is changing now, as the consumption of wine has greatly increased in recent years. With this change, come people looking for a great price or value, but who do not want to forego taste. Boxed wines can offer just that. With the reduced expense of this type of packaging, a typical $10 bottle may calculate to $6 or $7 in the box. In fact, one Californian winery known as Black Box Wines has set its sights on marketing high end wines in a box. Their mission is to change the perception of the "cheap" boxed wines by offering high quality. And they appear to be succeeding, as they are finding their way on to the shelves of some of the finest wine shops and bars around the country. It should also be mentioned that they have also won a few awards. Not bad for a box!

There are also other reasons to experience boxed wine. Besides its value, a typical boxed wine holds the equivalent of 2 to 4 bottles, depending on the producer. But the great thing is that these 2-4 bottles (now in a bag packaged in a box for looks and stability) are easy to carry and easy to store. Another outstanding feature of boxed wine is its longevity. The plastic bag is designed to push the wine out and prohibit oxygen from entering. This phenomenon reduces spoiling and keeps some wine fresh for over a month. In fact, some people have reported that their last glass was just as fresh as their first, even 3 months later. And for those green minded out there, both the box and the empty plastic bag are recyclable, just like the bottle.

Next time you are shopping for wine, give the box or cask a try. It's fun, convenient, affordable, and what the heck, it's like having your own draft system! Not too sure how they will look on the wine rack though!

Black Box Wines can be reached at www.blackboxwines.com

Featured wine of the month:

Block Wine, 2004 Chardonnay, California $9.99
This wine in a colorful cube is actually produced by Kendall Jackson, believe it or not. One cube contains 2 bottles. This chardonnay was Californian-typical, with oak over tones, apple flavors and hints of lemon. The tannins I found to be well structured and not too overpowering. It was easy to drink and enjoyable. The best part is that the cube fits so nicely on the refrigerator door!