10 Boxed Wine Pairings (Yes, Boxed Wine)
Boxed wine is back on the map. Winemakers have stepped up their boxed wine quality since the Franzia college days of yore. If you’re asking yourself, “WHY?!?!?!,” mostly it’s because it’s good for mama nature. Most bags-o-wine come with a lower carbon footprint than the traditional glass production, making you more earth-friendly and thrifty. And with so many great options on the market, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to help you pair your bags-in-boxes with some delicacies. You’ll be the life of that next party with your easy-to-carry box and recipes in tow.
1. Bandit Pinot Grigio ($6 – $9): Take your pick — mini boxes of wine or adult-size juice boxes! Radiant and fresh, Bandit’s pinot contains citrus, peach and pear, followed by flavors of lemon and green apple. A splash of sweet is tempered by a tiny bit of tart making it the perfect companion for grilled cheese and tomato kebabs.
2. La Petite Frog Picpoul ($30): Le Petite Frog (just the cutest name) displays fresh and delicate aromas of grapefruit, lime and exotic fruit, which linger on the palate, meaning it goes fabulously with some delicious pizza.
3. Wineworks Chardonnay ($40): This clean, crisp and bright style of chardonnay contains a hint of toasted oak and citrus and apple notes. Perfect for any warm summer day, it’s best swilled with microwave risotto!
4. Fisheye Sauvignon Blanc ($5): Another mini to take on the go or enjoy in your living room, Fisheye offers a luscious melon sauv blanc with a refreshing, zesty finish. For a light and enjoyable dinner, try it with healthy non-pasta pasta.
5. French Rabbit Family Reserve ($11): Your first sip is going to be aromatic with citrus fruits and a hint of peach and apricot. The second sip will be round and well balanced with good acidity. Whatever all that mean, just know that you oughta be eating an ahi tuna salad with it. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Reds
6. From the Tank Vin Rouge ($40): One of the spendiest boxed options out there, the flavor of this wine justifies the price tag. A blend of grenache, syrah and carignan create a mouthful that’s rich with cherries, violet and black pepper. While that all sounds highfalutin, you’re about to pair this with cheesy nacho cups, so let’s not get too high and mighty around here.
7. Maipe 2013 Malbec ($31): This is the ultimate wine in a box. Dry and structured, with hints of clay(!), fig and strawberry, this Argentinian Malbec is a little spicy. It has leathery tannins and some lavender and mint notes, which means it’ll always, always go very nicely with chocolate.
8. Wineberry Ch. Tassin, Bordeaux Rouge ($95): This blend, that mixes a merlot and cab, starts with squashed mixed-berry flavor and rounded spice notes. It’s ideal for gatherings with carnivorous friends and is perfectly paired with beef tenderloin. (via Eat a Duck I Must)
9. Bota Box 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17): This heavier wine (we’re talking taste; sorry, the box is the same size) offers aromas of black cherry and red currant with just a touch of cedar and vanilla. Medium in body, this wine is supple and juicy with rich flavors of ripe cherry and plum. It’s a perfect companion to buffalo chicken mini pizzas.
10. Black Box Pinot Noir ($22): It’s a California wine, which means it’s some of the good stuff. It’s a lighter red, with enticing aromas of strawberry, cherry and rose petal with complementing notes of toasty oak. The fresh berry and cocoa flavors lead to a delicate, lingering finish. It’s great with tapas, such as your very own homemade beet chips.
Have you impressed your friends with your eco-friendly yet fantastically fun ways yet? Give us a cheers in the comments!
