It’s a No-Brainer – It’s Time to Press the Button
Go ahead and get out all of the snickering and laughter now so that you can take notice of what’s happening right before your very eyes in the wine industry. The revolution has begun – better, tastier, 100% genuine grade-A juice that was once reserved only for glass bottles and natural corks is starting to find its way into a box! That’s right; go take a trip down the box wine aisle the next time you’re at your favorite local wine shop. I’ll bet that you see a few familiar “bottle names” that have taken up residence in a box sitting right next-door to those names that have always been at home in the box, since way back in the day…
Life in the box is emerging and growing for lots of reasons:
- “The box” system reduces packaging waste by 92% and carbon emissions by 55%.
- By eliminating glass bottles, corks and closures – it reduces packaging and shipping costs. In turn, this savings can then be passed along to customers.
- Consumers can receive the equivalent of four bottles of wine for the price of three in a nifty little 3L wine cask (i.e. bag–in-box).
- This packaging also allows your vino to stay fresh for up 6 weeks after opening.
Sounds great, right? There’s only one little problem standing in the way of progress: Too many wine drinkers are still of the mindset that wine that comes in a box is pure plonk!
I have to admit, I have been on the fence with my thoughts on box wine. My box wine tasting experiences have been rather hit or miss. While doing my best to keep an open mind, I recently had the opportunity to sample the 2008 Monthaven Winery Chardonnay from California’s Monterey County Central Coast. Admittedly, I’m not the biggest fan of California Chardonnay. Uh oh – do you see where this might be going? However, to my pleasure and surprise, Monthaven Winery winemaker, Jeff Yamamoto did a fabulous job of allowing the natural tropical fruit flavors of this wine to shine through, while keeping that all too familiar Big California Oak trademark in check, to make a very pleasing and agreeable everyday wine.
This particular Chardonnay and all of the wines in this collection, come in a convenient 3 liter box system that’s called the Octavin Home Wine Bar. This wine bar stores (20) five-ounce glasses of wine and keeps it fresh for up to six weeks after opening. The 2008 Monthaven Winery Chardonnay is being distributed nationally with a SRP of $23.99.
It’s a no-brainer folks – for what works out to be about 6 bucks a bottle, there’s plenty to like here. If you’re an everyday white wine drinker that prefers a Chardonnay with a little less oak, often found in comparable or pricier offerings, then this is the box for you!
3 Stars out of 4.
Posted in 3-Star, Reviews-Wine | 
Tags: 2008, 3-Star, Boxed Wine, California, Chardonnay, Monthaven Winery, Octavin, White Wine, Wine Reviews
15 Responses to “It’s a No-Brainer – It’s Time to Press the Button”
I haven't tried boxed wine yet, but I am curious. I definitely like the environmental benefits to the concept!
http://consumerist.com/2010/04/inventor-of-box-wine-dies-at-92.html Guy who Invented it just Died. RIP!
this post is nothing but sad….5 years ago we were all running about upset because synthetic cork was altering the taste of wine now in the name of eco-stupidity we are expected to give up the glass bottle. The recylability of these boxes is not always certain since the plasticised cardboard ones are not recyclable and the wax-based paper ones are not either. Buy your wine locally if its made there to eliminate the transportation argument and enjoy wine the way it was meant to be.
I have to agree with Ned. I am concerned about the stability of the plastic liner in contact with alcohol. What is the store shelf life of these wines? If one sits on a shelf for six months or a year before purchase, is the wine compromised? We're being told to avoid plastic-lined cans, soft plastic baby bottles, etc.Shop at your friendly local wine shop (full disclosure – I own one), recycle your glass bottles, recycle your corks at Whole Foods, and drink great wine. I just don't see any fine winemaker using a box in the foreseeable future. Love your postings, Mark. Thanks.
Uhmm how about "no"….there is class in the bottles, wine racks and wine cabniets are designed around the bottles. Companies that make their living on the accsessories for the bottles, such as the stopers ect…will suffer. And I agree withthe "iffyness" of teh recylcing probabilities with boxes. And further more….who will set a BOX of wine on the tables at a wedding!!!?? NOPE lets drink local they put alot of work into our pleasure and hobby of wine!
Word!
Despite the advantages and benefits , I don't see these boxes taking over the local pockets of wine producing areas in places such as the link below:http://www.suedtirol.info/suedtirol_info/$doctype_BasicArticle_News_Culture_en/13975-en/en/Wine_and_jazz_.html?nocache=1However, I see a future for these in restaurants and bars , etc
Wow! I appreciate all of the passion and interesting discussion points going on here. One thing I do need to clarify: By no means is my preference w/ box wines nor do I think that all wine should be in a box. However, while searching for different wines with a good quality:price ratio (mostly<$15), I 've been trying wines that I may not have considered trying before, including those in non-traditional vessels. And occasionally this means that I’ll be the guinea pig for the "box-curious". @Cindie You bring up an excellent observation about how the liners might interact with the wine. I’ve only tried a handful of box wines over the past year, and most have had a rather bland taste – if any taste at all. It made me wonder if the bag had anything to do with it. @Ned Good point about the recyclability of some of the boxes. @John I agree – I don’t think the Box will take over the bottles, but I do think there is a market for it – even outside of restaurants/bars. @Bonnie Would I put a box on the tables at a wedding? No. Backyard barbecue, picnic table, baseball game? Definitely would consider it if the wine tastes good…and if my wife is ok with it.
All this aside, this was just another post about a wine I tried…that happened to be in a box. Oh, and it actually tasted good. Thanks everyone and @Cynthia Yes, RIP Thomas Angove – I’m sure he had nothing but good intentions.
I prefer wine in a bottle with a cork. I like more expensive wines and I don't see them going into boxes anytime soon. Are boxes more environmentally better?
boxes can be environmentally friendly but then bottles are recycled as well so I don't think that one can be touted over the other for that reason. Boxes can be opened for a single glass (or two) without losing the quality of the wine inside so that is one advantage of boxes. I do drink both bottled and boxed, depending on the situation. I am a bit sentimental about the bottles and corks, though.
I don't care if it comes out of a trash can! If it tastes good, I'm happy!
I agree with Linda. Does not matter to me how wine is made or the type of package it is presented to the public. If it tastes good and the price is right for my budget I'll buy it. The price of wine does not dictate to me as it is the taste that will make my mouth go ZIN.Too often society has wine out of balance meaning Price and Presentation. I don't enjoy paying for presentation or packaging of wine. It's the TASTE that rules.I'll pay as low as $1.99, take free or make my own wine or join a wine club. I'll keep drinking wine just as long as it tastes good. Here's another dit-bit for you…I went to Grocery Outlet Store and purchased some wonderful tasting Cab Sauv red wine and only paid $2.99 per bottle. These wines were imported from guess who Italy and Austrialia. What a nice treat and the wine tasted wonderful so rich and smooth. So it doesn't matter how much or how little you pay for wine…it's all about the taste. Enjoy your favorite glass of wine. Chow baby!
@Linda Oscar says a big CHEERS! @Rachel Please share! What cab did you like that was @2.99?!
Be a little creative ye box naysayers. Serve boxed wine in carafe or decanter. I found mine at garage sales. I have only found a handful of wines that I like from a box (thanks for the Monthave review!) but I serve them even at elegant dinner with linen, china and silver. I get lots of compliments and numerous requests to see the box so that people know which brand to look for when they go to the store.
That’s the spirit Mary! Love your comment and clever idea to get people to take notice of the wine and to make any meal feel extra special. The Monthaven Chardonnay along with others in the Octavin line-up are all very good wines that just so happens to come in a box. Let me know what you think of them! Cheers!