The fact that you’ve found your way to this article probably means that you aren’t bogged down by the stigmas that have been attached to boxed wine over the years. Nor should you be. Admittedly, some of the first boxed wines to hit the shelves weren’t the best, but that was more than 50 years ago! Also, you might have been to some parties in your youth where the inner bag (or bladder) of wine was extracted from its cardboard exoskeleton and a game called “slap the bag” was played. Not a good look for boxed wine.
But, as with all things, boxed wine has evolved over time. Now there are wines that come from a box that you’d have a hard time distinguishing from that fancy brand you buy for special occasions.
The wine itself hasn’t just gotten better, there are environmental benefits to drinking wine from a box. Since most boxed wine holds four bottles’ worth, there’s less packaging to recycle. If reducing your carbon footprint isn’t enough reason to give it a try, it’s also super economical because you get more for less and the wine stays good longer because it’s never exposed to air.
Whatever your reason for seeking out boxed wine, here are 10 excellent brands to sample in 2022, whether you’ve never had boxed wine or you’re a seasoned pro.
Gratsi Old Country Red
The name of the wine might throw you for this boxed wine. Although it doesn’t hail from Italy, the Columbia Valley, Washington, brand has created a Cav Sav blend that holds true to the values of the old country—an easy-drinking everyday red. Gratsi Old Country Red is dry with fruity and floral notes on the back end. This well-balanced red also is lower in residual sugars than many other boxed wines.
Bota Box Pinot Grigio
It’s hard not to run into the Bota Box brand at most supermarket chains. The central California company produces a bevy of wines, none more easy-drinking than the Pinot Grigio. It’s apple and peach-driven with enough acid to suggest there was something more to the winemaker’s approach than just “bag it and tag it.” This one belongs right beside the stove, in between the kosher salt and olive oil.
Viña Borgia Red
This Grenache from Viña Borgia, acclaimed as a well-balanced fruit-forward red, is an excellent option if you’re trying to please a crowd with a variety of tastes. Like most fruitier wines, the Grenache is not as dry but has a minty finish with firm tannins. Also, if you like a wine that packs more of a punch, Grenache typically contains a heftier 14% ABV.
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Alandra Esporão White
White wines generally fare better in box form, and the Esporão is a fine example. The Portuguese blend is surprisingly lively and aromatic — so much so you’d probably guess it came from a bottle if consumed blind. And for those used to the session-like quality of fellow Portuguese whites like Vinho Verde, be advised, the ABV on this one tends on the higher side (14.5%).
Black Box Cab Sav
Black Box has become fairly ubiquitous in the boxed wine world. Touting 70 Gold Metals and counting, the Black Box Cab Sav has an oaky, vanilla aroma with tasting notes of ripe berry and chocolate.
La Vieille Ferme Rosé
This wine has become synonymous with brunch — and for good reason. It’s a bargain and maintains some personality despite being on the dry end of the spectrum. The boxed version of this release from La Vieille Ferme is no different, with bright strawberry flavors and just enough pizzazz. In fact, the boxed version is better because, well, there’s more of it and a bottomless Mimosa has nothing on a heaping glass of some of the best Rosé wine.
101 North Chardonnay
No one said all boxed wine has to be about bulk. Some of it is about transportability, like its cousin, canned wine. Out of Northern California wine country, this chardonnay from 101 North lives up to everything it claims to be — rich, creamy, and smooth. And did we say it was in a can?
Qunita da Espiga Vino Tinto
This red wine from Espiga is great for heartier cold-weather fare and barbecue. While a bit heavy in terms of mouthfeel, there’s obvious red and black fruit and a bit of leather and spice. It’s good enough to be the house red at many restaurants, at least during happy hour. And if winter drags, use it as a great base for mulled wine.
Vin Vault Pinot Noir
Vin Vault is a boxed wine brand that’s relatively new to the scene but receiving some acclaim. Wine Enthusiast named them No. 6 of the top 100 best buys (2017). Although that doesn’t speak to its overall taste, you can trust that Vin Vault Pinot Noir can go toe-to-toe with other bottled economy Pinot Noirs.
Wine Cube Rosé
The fact that Wine Cube Rosé is a Target-brand wine shouldn’t detour you from trying it. We agree with the many high user rating that the flavors of watermelon and raspberry are actually quite nice and compliments the wine’s dryness. Unlike so many rosés on the market, Wine Cube is not overly sweet and is great chilled right out of the fridge.
