Fear not the box

For some time, there’s been a slow-growing trend of good boxed wine, pretty exciting news for anyone looking for value, convenience and a chance to exercise environmental stewardship.

It’s still important to research your selections (nasty ones remain), but more winemakers whose names you know and like are offering alternative packaging alongside traditional corked bottles. It’s less expensive, easy for consumers to transport and ties into the country’s green mood.

Cardboard boxes with plastic packs inside, known as bag-in-boxes lead the charge, with smaller tetra-packs also entering the market. If you find one you like, you’ll come out much better price wise. Boxed wines also stay fresh longer than their bottle counterparts.

One of my favorite everyday reds, La Vielle Ferme Cote du Rhone, will offer a boxed version this summer, reports Martin Wine Cellar Manager Ian McCaffery. For a rundown on the movement and a few of its members, see betterwinesbetterworld.com.