Boxed Wines: 7 to Try

Thinking about trying boxed wine? The choices are vast from white - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Riesling, to red - Cabernet Sauvignon, Concord and Merlot. Labels are from many known wine producing countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, and states in the U.S. including California, Washington, and Michigan.

This is not cheap wine but wine that is a better value because production costs are reduced and savings are passed on. Savings are found in the cost of shipping and storage, and less spoilage and breakage. An added benefit is wine that stays fresh for weeks after opening. Organic is also available and boxed wine can purchased online.

Prices range from $8 to $12 for 1-liter, to $16.99 to $24.99 for a 3-liter box.

Listed below are 7 boxed wine suggestions:

Red:

1 - Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon - is a robust red California wine that has a smooth blackberry taste. It has aromas of berry and cinnamon spice with a palate of dark berry, dried cherry, vanilla and toasted oak flavor. Some think it is the best boxed red available. Good with dishes that have full-flavored sauces.

2 - Big House Red, 2009 - is made of 10 red grape varietals (cherry, raspberries, blueberries, cassis) and is recommended as a companion for cheese. This wine has aromas of chocolate and vanilla.

3 - Badger Mountain Pure Red Organic Wine - is a dry red table wine and has a sweet, ripe red fruit taste with a dose of plum and fig, with a long fruity finish of berries and spice.

Rose:

4 - Yellow + Blue Rose, 2008 - is pink and made with organic grapes, and is not very sweet. This dry wine has more cranberry than strawberry notes and goes well with a variety of foods.

White:

5 - Bandit Pinot Grigio - is an excellent salad wine. (see link below on how to build the perfect salad). Has a bit of a tart apple characteristic with some rounded ripe fruit notes.

6 - Target Wine Cube--Pinot Grigio - is an award-winning wine (2007) with crisp fruit notes that includes a touch of apples, peach and melon. The fruity sweetness goes well with dessert and cheeses.

7 - Monthaven Winery Chardonnay, 2009 - is considered the best all around white wine with crisp apple notes, balanced acidity and with a clean finish. The white wine is a blend of cold fermented, barrel fermented and barrel aged wines.

For information on how to build a better salad, and the benefits of wine, see links below: