Are there any decent box wines?

I mean the concept is sound, you know, a fairly decent glass of wine without opening a full bottle for a weekday sip and lasts for a long time. I just can't seem to get one to the check out register! Anyone tried any that are worth the $ compared to popping a bottle? Anonymous replies joyfully accepted.

Drew

[David M. Bueker]

Yes - Grand Veneur.

It is out in the 2008 vintage. Iv'e tried it from both the box and the bottle.

Yes - Grand Veneur.

And for white, "La Petite Frog," the unfortunate brand given to the boxed version of Hugues de Beauvignac Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul-De-Pinet.

The inventor of “wine in a box” just recently passed away, check this link;
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaki ... 5848110202

Salute

If you have ITB friends, Eric Texier has a bag-in-box CdR for restaurants only. Imagine that.

The "from the Tank" Cotes du Rhone (from the Estezargues co-op) is quite drinkable

It's not quite a "box" wine, but the French Rabbit Cabernet Sauvignon comes in a Tetra-Pak and it isn't too bad; certainly quaffable. If you squish all of the air out of the Pak and keep it in the fridge, the wine will last for just under a week.

[David M. Bueker]

Welcome Melissa!

[Robin Garr]

I've found the Syrah from Bota Box (California, despite the Spanish-sounding name) to be more than palatable, dry and rustic, definitely comparable to a low-end but respectable old field-blend style red like Lauren Glen's REDS or Trentadue Old Patch. When I have occasion to bring dinner wine for a group (other than wine geeks, I guess), I'll haul in a Bota Box without a second thought.

Thanks David! I admit that I've snooped around these forums for a while, and that I've been getting the 30 second wine advisor updates for even longer, but I just didn't do any posting until now. Expect to see more of me!

Like Drew says, the concept is sound. On my trip to Burgundy and the Rhone a few years ago the coops were putting all but their best wines into 3,5 and 10 liter boxes. Many small producers in Burgundy would ask you if you wanted bottle or box. Just like good beer and tires, they are far ahead of us in this all-too-obvious solution to wine storage. We just need a few decent producers to employ the concept and I think we will be over the hill, but it will take time, just like screw-caps.

Like Drew says, the concept is sound. On my trip to Burgundy and the Rhone a few years ago the coops were putting all but their best wines into 3,5 and 10 liter boxes. Many small producers in Burgundy would ask you if you wanted bottle or box. Just like good beer and tires, they are far ahead of us in this all-too-obvious solution to wine storage. We just need a few decent producers to employ the concept and I think we will be over the hill, but it will take time, just like screw-caps.

Agreed, Richard.

Last year in the Rhone and Provence, all the co-ops, and many of the independents, were stacking their boxes high.

The Rhone especially, had most of the AOCs represented, and at very decent prices. They all seemed to be doing a thriving business too.

The French don't seem to think frou-frou should get in the way of actually enjoying everyday wine.

Like Drew says, the concept is sound. On my trip to Burgundy and the Rhone a few years ago the coops were putting all but their best wines into 3,5 and 10 liter boxes. Many small producers in Burgundy would ask you if you wanted bottle or box. Just like good beer and tires, they are far ahead of us in this all-too-obvious solution to wine storage. We just need a few decent producers to employ the concept and I think we will be over the hill, but it will take time, just like screw-caps.

Agreed, Richard.

Last year in the Rhone and Provence, all the co-ops, and many of the independents, were stacking their boxes high.

The Rhone especially, had most of the AOCs represented, and at very decent prices. They all seemed to be doing a thriving business too.

The French don't seem to think frou-frou should get in the way of actually enjoying everyday wine.

Equally important, I'd wager, is the fact that B-i-B preserves wine far better than an opened bottle does, which is important for those who consume smaller amounts of wine on a frequent basis. For "vin ordinaire" it makes a whole lot of sense. I also wonder how much of the B-i-B trade has replaced the en vrac trade of yesteryear?

Mark Lipton

I also wonder how much of the B-i-B trade has replaced the en vrac trade of yesteryear?

Quite a bit, I'd say.

While you can still find those around, they're not as common as they used to be.

Makes sense to. Far less waste; more stable and consistent wine; and for us that like to frequent the little restaurants and cafes that dot the region, it means far less vinegar-drinking.

The "from the Tank" Cotes du Rhone (from the Estezargues co-op) is quite drinkable

Hi Dale,

Have you done the math on this? I think the wine is quite good, but is there savings passed along? I'm used to getting a break for buying in box in Europe.

The "from the Tank" Cotes du Rhone (from the Estezargues co-op) is quite drinkable

Hi Dale,
Have you done the math on this? I think the wine is quite good, but is there savings passed along? I'm used to getting a break for buying in box in Europe.

Never done any math. No need, as I have no need for BiB. I enjoy variety, and having a house wine doesn't appeal to me.
As far as I know, the Estezargues BiB is about $30. Is their bottled CdR cheaper than $8?

The "from the Tank" Cotes du Rhone (from the Estezargues co-op) is quite drinkable

Hi Dale,
Have you done the math on this? I think the wine is quite good, but is there savings passed along? I'm used to getting a break for buying in box in Europe.

Never done any math. No need, as I have no need for BiB. I enjoy variety, and having a house wine doesn't appeal to me.
As far as I know, the Estezargues BiB is about $30. Is their bottled CdR cheaper than $8?

Their Domaine d'Andezon CdR comes in at $8-9 round these parts.

Mark Lipton

I think From the Tank goes for a little more in NYC, which would explain the math.

The inventor of “wine in a box” just recently passed away

I can empathize with Tom Angove. Nobody listens to me either

From the Tank is $30 at Astor (on sale, but I think it's been on sale a long time).
The Andezon is all Syrah, right? This is a more typical CdR blend, I think mostly Grenache with some Syrah (not sure if other grapes-Carignan? Mourvedre?)). But I would assume this would retail for about the same in bottle.
As noted, I don't buy BiB- doesn't make sense for my needs. But I did suggest the From the Tank to some non-geeky friends. One for instance probably has a glass of wine with dinner every other day. His wife might have a small glass per week. Whenever they buy a bottle the last half to a third is usually not so tasty. But a 3L lasts them a month, without noticeable deterioration. So for them the math works. They could care less about drinking the same wine every time, as long as they like it.

Who said anything about a house wine ? Sometimes it would be nice to be able to have a glass after sharing a white or to use some for cooking.

[David M. Bueker]

So for red wine BiB - store in fridge & warm up glasses to room temp, or store somewhere cool but not cold. Thoughts?

If I had room in a cellar, I'd put it there. If it's summer and roasting hot, I'd stick it in my fridge and let it warm in the glass.