Box Wine - Wine of the Week

by Gretchen Roberts, Posted Dec 8th 2008 @ 2:01PM

'Tis the season for holiday parties! I'm bringing the food and beverages to a cookie exchange this week, and I've decided to make some mulled wine for the occasion. Wine people tell you when you're cooking with wine or using it as a base for other drinks, you still want something drinkable, and I absolutely agree with that. But I wouldn't waste a $20 bottle in a heated, spiked drink or on a big crowd of party-goers. Instead, I turn to box wine as the ideal party wine. Why?

Box wine is inexpensive (around $20 for the equivalent of four bottles), and the quality has gotten much, much better over the years.
Boxes are lightweight, easier to transport, and greener than glass bottles, so when you're serving in quantity, those numbers add up.
Box wines stay fresh for a month after opening because of the vacuum seal, unlike bottles, which should be refrigerated and drunk within 3 days if possible.

Now, let's be clear that boxed wine will not blow away the connoisseurs in your group, but it's a great budget-friendly choice for parties. If you're serving it as is, decant it for a classier look. When your guests ask what it is, be mysterious: "Oh, just a little something I picked up the other day when I took the private jet out to California for an afternoon meeting."

Here are a few decent box wines to try:

Bota Box Pinot Grigio or Shiraz ($16)
Black Box Merlot or Shiraz ($22)
Banrock Station Chardonnay or Shiraz ($19)

My mulled wine recipe is after the jump.

Mulled Wine for a Crowd (serves 24)

1 3-liter box of fruity red wine (such as Shiraz or Merlot)
2 cups brandy
1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar (to taste)
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
6 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon whole allspice

Combine all in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. Strain fruit slices and spices and serve warm.

Filed Under: Trends, Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Holidays, Drinks, Tastings
Tags: box wine, christmas, hanukkah, holiday party, mulled wine, new years, wine, winter

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-09-2008 @11:15AM Scott said... The "French Rabbit" boxed wines are some of my favorites, box or not. Delicious. Not really any cheaper than bottled wine, but excellent stuff.

Also, the Target "Wine Cube" wines aren't too shabby. Surprisingly, I really rather like the Pinot Grigio in a box from there. Quite delicious, and more full-bodied than you'd expect.
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