As the Windy City Wine Guy, hearing the words “box” and “wine” in the same sentence is like hearing “steak” 
and “well-done” (gotta have some blood in that meat!). But, with a little bit of research and tasting, seeing those two words together may be a taste of the future.
Whether most want to admit it or not, this is a part of our past, present, and future. Most families used to, and do today, use larger receptacles to hold wine. WIth the awareness of our world’s energy problems, growers and producers have been stepping up and going green. With all of the biodynamics and organics, it only makes sense that ready to drink wines (RTDs) will be boxed.
Many wines are made RTD- especially affordable ones. These wines do not need the slow process of bottle aging to soften them and bring around their full potential. But when these wines are placed in 750ml bottles and transported around the globe, that uses energy. The glass is recyclable, but many do not recycle. The new boxes are 3L (equal to 4 bottles) and recyclable- do it!
I bought the 2006 Killer Juice California Central Coast Cabernet today for $14.99 from Sam’s Wine in the South Loop. The spout pops out of the box and pours easily. It seals the wine in and is usable for up to six weeks. The wine is a lighter style of Cab with dusty dark fruit on the nose and palate along with some oak and licorice. The finish lasts a good five seconds. This wine is good with light meats and tomato sauces. 79 pts. WG
New technology is available with the Tetra Pak and Tetra Prisma. French, American, and the eagerly awaited Yellow+Blue Argentine Malbec are on the way- I cannot wait until they are available in the Windy City. These containers are amazing! And the Windy City Wine Guy will be there to drink and review.
Filed under: Deals, Wine Reviews
What is the appeal of boxed wine v. bottled wine? Like if I’m staring at both why should I go with boxed? Aren’t all wines RTD once you pop the cork? I always associated boxed wines with lonely divorcees and cats. {shrug}
The appeal of boxed vs. bottled is that boxed holds more wine, can be stored longer, and has less impact on environment. The boxed have not reached the quality level, in most cases, of bottled wines, but are on the move.
Not all wines are RTD. Some, mostly more costly wines, should be aged in the bottle and stored at home. Time will cause these wines to soften and mature to full potential with the slow intake of oxygen through the cork and falling of tannins.
I buy boxed to try it out, give it a chance. You should too! Remember to recycle!