What is a boxed wine?
It is wine which is packaged in a bag in box. This packaging is a cheaper alternative that came in substitution of the 5 liter demijohns. It is basically a plastic bag (that does not affect the flavours or quality of the wine) inside a carton. Totally recyclable, it has less environmental impact and makes the logistics more efficient because it is easier to transport.
It may contain red, white or rosé wine, and the most common formats are 3 and 5 liters.
Why is it more practical?
Besides being cheaper, it allows the wine to maintain its quality for a longer period of time. Being in a vacuum container, it is not in contact with oxygen. This way wine is conserved up to 6 weeks after opened.
Is boxed-wine a bad quality one?
That is the idea people have. But it s not true. Nowadays there are boxed wines that are great value for money. Obviously, like with every wine and packaging, there are good and bad examples, and each producer has his strategy.
For some producers it may be a financial decision if, for example, he has had problems selling his wine in a bottle. For others it is a way to offer its customers two or three single grape wines and giving them the possibility to make their own “blend”.
Obviously, if your prefer wine to keep and/or with aging potential, this is not the best solution for you. Given the wine is served through a tap, every time a glass is served there is a micro.oxygenation (entry of air in very small quantities). That is why some producers use an expiry date.
Cheers!
