Quit struggling with the cork! Enjoy wine in a box

Tag: battery box

Box wines (also known as boxed wines) have become popular in recent years because they hold more wine than a single bottle, are light and recyclable, easy to open and reseal, chill quickly, and won't break if you drop them. Here are the best of the best when it comes to wine in a box.

The irreverent winemakers who bucked the trends by producing quality wine in jugs a few years back now tackle the Tetra Pak format (specially designed aseptic cartons) with their line of Bandit wines. In a world where so much Pinot Grigio is vapid, this California wine shows more character than most bottled versions. The aromatic nose starts out as Granny Smith apple and green Jolly Rancher candy with hints of banana, giving way to papaya and crenshaw melon. It is rounded and medium-full-bodied, with bright acidity and a lingering finish (about $9, 1 liter).

Meaty recipe pairing: Fish, clam, and mussels with white wine and garlic. The green apple and melon flavors in the wine hold up against the seafood and garlic; a quarter cup of the wine goes into the recipe.

Meatless recipe pairing: Pizza Bianca with Rosemary and Sea Salt. Without any acidic tomato sauce to overwhelm a palate, this Roman white pizza dish is a perfect candidate for the delicacy of white wine.