Wine lovers have long touted the superiority of bottled wine versus boxed wine. However, in recent years, boxed wine has been gaining popularity and shedding its reputation as the cheap, low-quality option. The truth is, the quality of boxed wine has improved significantly, and it's time to reconsider this convenient and eco-friendly alternative. In this post, we will explore the benefits of boxed wine, including the rise of beautiful boxed wines that allow you to enjoy high-quality wine in a new format.
Boxed Wine: The Evolution
Boxed wine has come a long way from its humble beginnings. It was once associated with cheap, mass-produced wines that lacked the complexity and flavor profiles of bottled wines. However, advancements in winemaking technology and packaging, and a little risk on the part of some newcomer brands, have transformed boxed wine into a legitimate option for wine enthusiasts.
One of the key improvements in boxed wine is the use of airtight bags inside the box that prevent oxidation, preserving the wine's freshness for weeks, or even months, after opening. This is in contrast to bottled wine, where oxidation occurs once the cork is removed, leading to spoilage if not consumed quickly. The bags are food grade and BPA free, meaning they impart no flavor at all onto the wine. As a result, boxed wine can offer a purer, more natural taste.
The other significant advancement is the quality of the wine itself that’s being packaged in boxes. In the past, boxed wine was mainly associated with lower-priced, mass-produced wines. However, now you can find boxed wines from reputable wineries that offer high-quality varietals and blends made in the same style as premium bottled wines. This means you can enjoy a wide range of varietals and styles from different regions around the world.
Convenience and Eco-Friendliness
One of the biggest advantages of boxed wine is its convenience. The boxed format is lightweight, easy to transport, and doesn't require a corkscrew, making it perfect for picnics, outdoor gatherings, and events where glass bottles may be prohibited or an annoyance. The compact design of the box also makes it ideal for small living spaces, such as apartments, RVs, or boats, where storage may be limited.
In addition, boxed wine eliminates the risk of cork taint, which is a common issue with bottled wine. Cork taint occurs when the wine comes into contact with a cork that has been contaminated with a compound called TCA, resulting in a musty odor and off-flavors in the wine. With boxed wine, you can say goodbye to the disappointment of opening a bottle only to find it spoiled by cork taint.
Another compelling reason to choose boxed wine is its eco-friendliness. Traditional glass bottles require significant energy and resources to produce, transport, and recycle, whereas boxed wine generates less waste and has a smaller carbon footprint. The box itself is made from recyclable materials, and the bag inside is designed to collapse as it empties, reducing the amount of packaging waste. Some estimates suggest that boxed wine reduces the carbon footprint of wine consumption by as much as 16x vs. bottles.
Quality and Taste
The most crucial factor for any wine lover is the taste and quality of the wine, and boxed wine has come a long way in delivering on this front. As mentioned earlier, boxed wines are now available in a wide variety of styles and flavors, offering options for every palate. You can find boxed wines that are made from high-quality grapes, carefully crafted by experienced winemakers, and aged in oak barrels, just like bottled wines.
One of the reasons why boxed wine can offer high-quality wine is because the airtight bag inside the box prevents oxidation, which can negatively impact the taste and quality of the wine. Oxidation occurs when wine comes into contact with air, causing it to lose its freshness and develop off-flavors. However, with boxed wine, the airtight bag keeps the wine fresh, preserving its flavors and aromas for an extended period of time, even after opening. This means you can enjoy a glass of wine today and come back to the box weeks later without worrying about the wine going bad. This is especially beneficial for those who enjoy a glass of wine frequently but may not finish a bottle within a short period of time.
Furthermore, boxed wine often comes in larger volumes, typically three liters, compared to the standard 750ml bottle of bottled wine. This larger volume means that the wine makes up a great percentage of the cost of the finished product, allowing producers to invest more money in the wine and less money in the packaging. Ultimately, most boxed wines cost approximately 50% less than what the same wine would cost to buy 4 bottles.
The improved quality of boxed wine is also evident in the taste. Gone are the days of boxed wine tasting like cheap, low-quality options. Many boxed wines now offer complex flavor profiles, with notes of fruits, spices, and oak, just like bottled wines. Some boxed wine brands even source their grapes from renowned vineyards and use traditional winemaking techniques to craft their wines, ensuring a high level of quality and taste.
Value for Money
As mentioned above, in addition to convenience, eco-friendliness, and improved quality, boxed wine also offers excellent value for money. Boxed wine is often more affordable than bottled wine because the packaging is cheaper to produce and transport. This means you can get a higher quality wine for a much lower price compared to bottled wine. Moreover, the airtight bag inside the box prevents wastage, as it helps to keep the wine fresh for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy every drop without worrying about spoilage. This makes boxed wine a cost-effective option for wine enthusiasts who want to get the best bang for their buck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, boxed wine has come a long way and has become a viable option for wine lovers who are looking for convenience, eco-friendliness, and high-quality wine. The advancements in winemaking technology, packaging, and the commitment of wineries to produce premium boxed wines have led to significant improvements in the taste and quality of boxed wine. With its airtight bag, convenience, and eco-friendly packaging, boxed wine offers a convenient, affordable, and sustainable alternative to bottled wine. So, if you're a wine enthusiast who is looking for the best and top boxed wines, it's time to give boxed wine a chance and discover the new era of boxed wine that offers quality, taste, and value. Cheers to the rise of boxed wine!
—
Really Good Boxed Wine is producing the highest quality boxed wine in the United States. They source from premium vineyards, often producing single-vineyard wines, and use old-world winemaking techniques to craft beautiful wines that would cost twice as much in a bottle. Learn more about Really Good Boxed Wine’s portfolio of wines by clicking here.
