Wine: Thinking outside the cardboard
There's an article in the NYT today about the Bag-in-Box Wine Dispenser. Will this be enough to make box wine palatable? Will vintners actually start producing drinkable wines in boxes? Seems like a chicken-and-the-egg type problem.
If you can get past its reputation, there's a lot to be said for the concept of wine in a box. First, it does a great job of protecting the contents from light during storage. Once you open it, there's no chance that air is going to get in and start oxidizing the wine if you want to keep it around for a few days (a consistent problem with bottles). And ffom an environmental perspective, the packaging breaks down easier than a glass bottle (which requires proper recycling). I could make similar arguments in favor of the screw-top wine bottle (viva la convenience), but I have the feeling we'll be seeing corks in glass bottles for a long time to come.
posted by Ted @ 4:28 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Get on board here. Vintners ARE producing drinkable wines in boxes. The chicken-and-the-egg problem seems to be one of getting YOU to try the good examples out there. Give the winemakers some validation for what they are doing - buy and try!
Do you need a "seal of approval?" OK, what about Robert Parker, who raved about the dTour 2004 Macon-Villages Chardonnay. He said "...what a refreshing non-oaked vibrant and tasty 100% chardonnay and very authentic Macon." "...bravo..."
Or try the Delicato Shiraz in a box. Big medal winner (Best California Shiraz in several consecutive years), and consistent Wine Enthusiast ratings in the mid 80s. The 2002 vintage earned a stunning 90 points from WE.
And then there's the Cuvee de Pena 2003 from Chateau de Pena. Very yummy and an incredible value. Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, and the Avec Restaurant in Chicago all approve.
And for really good, weekday quaffing wine, boxes are great. Check out the Boxed Wine Spot blog for ideas. There are many examples with little fault to be found; just a few ideas here: Try the Black Box Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, or the Wine Cube Cabernet Sauvignon (from Target). And Toad Hollow's Le Faux Frog Pinot Noir in a box is lovely.
Wow, I had no idea...I will have to start looking at box wines with a more critical eye. Was also interested to read your blog at the Boxed Wine Spot.
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