We're about to embark on a delicious journey with 8 facts that unveil the magic (and terroir) of Central Coast wines
If you're still turning your nose up at boxed wines, we've got news for you: the box is where it's at these days. Sure, we all love a beautiful glass bottle. But if you're not already sipping on some premium boxed goodness, you're missing out. From quality and convenience to sustainability and savings, today's boxed wines have a lot going for them. Here are 8 refreshing truths that will make you rethink the box.
- Quality Boxed Wines Are a Thing (Promise!)
We get it - boxed wines haven't always had the best reputation. In the past, they were known for being cheap, industrial, and, well, not the tastiest. But those days are long gone. Thanks to packaging innovations and a surge of premium wineries offering their excellent quality juice in boxes, high-quality boxed wines are now readily available.
Forward-thinking wineries across California, Oregon, Washington, and beyond are boxing up outstanding wines made from premium grapes and using expert winemaking techniques. From craveable Cabs and brilliant Pinot Noirs to vibrant whites and festive pinks, the quality of boxed wines has seriously leveled up.
- Boxed Wines Remain Fresh Far Longer than Glass Bottled Wines
After opening a bottle, you have between two and seven days to finish it, depending on the varietal and storage conditions. But boxed wines have a major advantage thanks to their airtight packaging and cask design.
By removing air exposure, premium boxed wines can stay fresh for up to six weeks after opening! That means no more pouring out unused wine when you're craving just a single glass. This increased shelf life makes it much easier to enjoy your favorite boxed wines gradually over time.
- Boxed Wines Are Adventure-Ready
When it comes to packing wine for picnics, concerts, camping trips, and other on-the-go outings, boxed wines simply can't be beat in the convenience department. Ditch those clunky bottles and heavy coolers! The box format makes transporting your vino incredibly easy.
Boxed wines are lightweight, unbreakable, and designed with a smooth pull-out spout for mess-free pouring with no glass required. And Juliet’s Eco-Magnum™ features a convenient handle, making it easier than ever to take on the go.
- The Eco Cred of Boxed Wines Is Strong
For those looking to drink more sustainably, boxed wines offer impressive environmental benefits compared to glass bottles. The lightweight boxes and outer plastic pouches produce far less carbon emissions during production and transportation.
Plus, by providing more wine per package, boxes minimize packaging waste overall. Some studies show an 80% lower environmental impact for boxed wines versus glass bottles. The boxes are also made mostly from renewable resources and are much easier to recycle.
- Boxed Wines Offer Major Value
While premium boxed wines are absolutely delicious, they also happen to be straight-up budget sippers. With Juliet’s Eco-Magnum™ containing two full bottles' worth of wine, buying boxed is already a great value compared to glass bottle prices.
But you'll also eliminate any wastage from opened-but-unfinished bottles. This makes your total cost per glass of wine even lower. Overall, you can expect to pay around 30% less per pour when you go for boxed. So you'll score both quality and quantity for your money.
- Boxed Wines Come in Tons of Styles
Worried that boxed wines will all taste cheap and boring? Totally not the case these days! Thanks to rising demand, many of your favorite wineries are offering their high-quality wines in convenient boxes, giving you more variety than ever before.
Whether you're craving a thirst-quenching Sauvignon Blanc, a fruit-forward Rosé, a brooding Cabernet Sauvignon, or any number of other styles, you'll have no trouble finding it in box form. Wine clubs and subscription services often feature rotating boxed selections too, so you can keep things fresh and exciting.
- Red Boxes Don't Need Oxygen (Or to Breathe)
If you've been taught to let red wines "breathe" before drinking, go ahead and toss that belief out the window when it comes to boxed reds. Since the vacuum-sealed pouches prevent oxidation, premium boxed red wines are perfectly enjoyed straight away.
Unlike when you pop open a bottle and expose the red wine to oxygen, boxed reds have no need to breathe or decant before serving. This gives you the freedom to sip immediately once the box is open and dispenses with some of the fussiness around serving red wines.
- The Boxed Wine Revolution Has Arrived
Forget any lingering antiquated notions about boxed wines being low-brow and unpalatable. The boxed wine revolution is here, and it's radically elevated the category into something worth celebrating.
Beyond undeniable sustainability cred and value, boxed wines have never been more delicious, more diverse in styles, or more convenient to enjoy. With no sacrifice in taste or quality, premium boxed wines lift the entire experience of sipping, savoring, and socializing to new heights.
So don't be that person who turns their nose up at the box. Embrace the ease, the freshness, and the sheer joy of tapping into top-tier boxed wines. They're perfect for any occasion, from casual backyard hangs to impromptu park picnics to proper dinner parties. Confining your wine consumption to glass bottles alone is just plain restrictive these days. Join the boxed movement—your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.
Sources:
[1] https://vinepair.com/articles/best-boxed-wines-buy/
[2] https://www.foodandwine.com/wine/boxed-wine-guide
[3] https://www.bonappetit.com/story/boxed-wines-sustainable
[4] https://www.themanuallink.com/drinks/the-financial-benefits-of-boxed-wine/
[5] https://www.thekitchn.com/do-boxed-wines-nee-268738
[6] https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/beverages/boxed-wine-temp