Have you ever come home from a long day of work, plopped down on your couch, went to pour yourself a nice glass of red wine and found out that your wine has turned sour? Yeah, us too. That’s...
Have you ever come home from a long day of work, plopped down on your couch, went to pour yourself a nice glass of red wine and found out that your wine has turned sour? Yeah, us too. That’s one of the many reasons you should buy boxed red wine next time you’re at the grocery store instead of your classic bottled wine.
What is Boxed Wine?
Boxed wine is just your plain old regular wine, but in a box. Okay, well, it’s in a plastic bag with a nozzle, sealed airtight, then put in a box. Much like traditional bottled wine, you can find boxed wine made from different grapes, with different blends and flavors. As the bag is sealed with the nozzle, your wine will stay fresh for much longer than it would after being opened in a bottle.
Top 3 Boxed Red Wine Brands
Now that you’re ready to buy, you’re probably wondering which red wine to buy. Since we can’t choose our favorite, we decided to crowdsource. According to this Buzzfeed article, Trader Joe’s Block Red Cabernet Sauvignon is a crowd favorite. The price ($11.99 per 3 liter box) and taste were both to die for. As mentioned, Trader Joe’s is a wonderful place to satisfy all of your wine needs, boxed or bottled.
Another great brand is the Bota Box boxed wine. Like the Trader Joe’s Block boxed wines, the Bota Box wines are boxes of 3 liters for around $11. They sell classic reds, such as cabernet sauvignons and merlots, but also have some different blends, like their RedVolution boxed red. If you’re new to boxed red wine, try a grape you know you’ll love. If you’re feeling risky, spring for their creative blends. Or, why not buy both? They’re cheap and you’ll love them all, anyway!
If you’re a boxed wine veteran, you’re probably wondering how we’ve gone this far without mentioning the boxed wine of all boxed wines: Franzia. Remember when you were in college and you had to “slap the bag?” Yeah, neither do we. Chances are you were drinking out of a bag of Franzia boxed wine. The wine is easy to drink, light, and cheap. While prices vary based on where you’re buying, you can find a 5 liter box of Franzia wine for about $15. If you’re looking to wow your friends with amazingly tasty boxed wine, Franzia might not be the choice for you. But, Franzia is a great option for when you need a lot of wine that’s easy on the taste buds.
Other Brands We Love
The Naked Grape: The Naked Grape’s California Cabernet Sauvignon is a great boxed red wine option. This wine’s alcohol content is a whopping 13.5%, so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. Moreover, this cabernet sauvignon is a unique flavor. You might taste a little spice or pepper when drinking it. The 3 liter box runs at $14.25; while it is a bit more expensive than the first three brands mentioned, it’s definitely worth it.
Bandit: If you’re an adventurer, Bandit Wines is the brand for you. Their boxed red wines are all unique, but the best is the Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon. Priced at $16.64 for a 3 liter box, this boxed wine is dry with a sweeter twist than you’d expect from a cab. It’s a great option to bring with you to a nice dinner party, as it is a nicer wine than some of the other boxed wines.
Terra de Malta Vinho Tinto: This Portuguese boxed wine is a fruity red wine with lots of flavor. It is sold in a 5 liter box, so if you’re looking to buy in bigger quantities, this is the wine for you. Typically, it is priced around $24-25 per 5 liter box. Remember, boxed red wine stays good for about a month, so make sure you finish your wine in that time frame.
San Giorgio Sangiovese Puglia: If you are hooked on Italian grapes, consider this brand of boxed red wine. The San Giorgio Sangiovese Puglia is a delicious red wine that is strong, fruity, and a bit peppery. It is sold at $20 per 3 liter box, but is well worth the higher price. You won’t know the difference between this and a nice bottle of Italian wine.
Viña Borgia: The Viña Borgia Garnacha 2015 is another tasty option. This Spanish grape has an array of fruity flavors. It is priced at $17.99 per 3 liter box. If Spanish grapes are your go-to, consider other wines by this brand. You can’t go wrong.
Why You Should Try Boxed Red Wine
If you’re like us, you have your go-to bottle of wine for every need: a wine for your girls’ nights, a wine for date night, and a wine to unwind after a stressful day of work. The one thing boxed red wine can offer you that bottled red wine cannot is longevity. While a bottle of red wine may turn in a few days or so, a box of red wine can stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for over a month. It is smarter to buy boxed red wine instead of bottled for your casual wine-drinking needs. Not to mention, boxed red wine is more environmentally friendly (less packaging!) and lighter to carry around with you and store. All in all, it’s a better economic choice and you’re helping the planet. What more can you ask for in a box of wine?
Are you convinced? If yes, then go to the store and get your box of wine. If no, still go to the store and get your box of wine. You won’t know until you try…