Cooking Resources

Steve Kroll · 06-07-2011, 02:24 PM

I've never been a big fan of boxed wines, but every once in awhile I'll try one on someone's recommendation. Usually I'm disappointed. It's probably because I'm somewhat picky when it comes to wine. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I'm a snob. I'm really not. Price and prestige doesn't really matter, and I can just as easily enjoy a $7-10 wine as a $20+ bottle - provided it's balanced, well made, and tastes good.

For years I've been waiting for the day when someone would make a good boxed wine. I like the idea of buying wine in bulk and enjoying a glass when I want, without having to worry about storing leftovers, or having it go bad after a few days.

I recently tried some of these "Bota Box" wines from California. This brand just recently became available in my area (Minnesota). I've now had the Merlot, Malbec, and Chardonnay. I have to say they're not bad for what they are. It's ain't Mouton Rothschild, but it is drinkable and decent.

So my question is, have any of you had a box wine you've enjoyed?

ChefJune · 06-07-2011, 02:55 PM

Whenever I see the 1 liter boxes with the brand name "Bandit" on them, I always pick up a few. The most common varieties I find are Merlot and Pinot Grigio. Bandit is made by the same fellows behind "Three Thieves," which is a very good "jug wine." Joel Gott, a talented Napa winemaker, is one of the "three thieves." Wines with his name on them cost a lot more than the $7.50 I pay for a box of Bandit.

roadfix · 06-07-2011, 03:47 PM

I'd just go with a case of Two Buck Chucks. Cheap.
Boxed wine just brings back bad memories for me.

Zereh · 06-07-2011, 04:24 PM

I grabbed a couple boxes of Bota's Malbec to set out on the patio for our BBQ over Memorial Day weekend; it's very drinkable. I'll have to try the other flavors as well.

kandisinmi · 06-07-2011, 06:00 PM

I like Two Buck Chuck, too, but don't have a Trader Joe's near enough to be really convenient. So, when we run out of that, my daughter and I have discovered Carlo Rossi Paisano! I was really pleasantly surprised at how very smooth and drinkable it is! It's not in the box, though, it's the "gallon" jug. You can either decant it into smaller bottles and use the VacuVin to cork them, or (I know, but it really works!) open the top of a drained box wine, pry the spigot off of the inner bag, prop the bag with the opening facing up inside of the box, and CAREFULLY pour the wine in, then replace the spigot, then squeeze out the air and replace it into the box to dispense.
It sounds like a lot of work, but I honestly like the way the bag keeps out the air, keeping your wine fresh tasting until it's gone. Plus, it's really convenient to just go grab a glass, whenever, without having to worry about vaccuum sealing your bottle after you pour.
I love a really great bottle of wine, but times are tough! This is perfectly acceptable for me for an ordinary day glass (or several glasses) of wine! For the equivalent of about five bottles of wine, I can usually get my Paisano at the grocery store for about $12.99 on sale; but I can also get it at Sam's club for $9.99...what Two Buck Chuck USED to cost!

jennyema · 06-07-2011, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChefJune

Whenever I see the 1 liter boxes with the brand name "Bandit" on them, I always pick up a few. The most common varieties I find are Merlot and Pinot Grigio. Bandit is made by the same fellows behind "Three Thieves," which is a very good "jug wine." Joel Gott, a talented Napa winemaker, is one of the "three thieves." Wines with his name on them cost a lot more than the $7.50 I pay for a box of Bandit.

Where are they sold ?

jennyema · 06-07-2011, 06:22 PM

Count me as one of the many that think 2 buck Chuck is overpriced, sorry.

But TJ's has a lot of fantastic bargains. We drink a Cabernet that's $6.99 for 1.5 bottle. Can't recall it's name right now but when I remember I'll post.