Boxed Wine: 5 to Try

As writer Sarah Karnasiewicz explored in the November/December 2017 issue, with sales of boxed wines continuing to climb, the quality of these wines is getting noticeably better. Just in time for holiday entertaining, here are six great options she recommends seeking out.

From the Tank Vin Rouge (Côtes du Rhône) This sophisticated Rhône blend uses hand-harvested grapes and is produced without added enzymes or yeasts, yielding a wine that’s ripe and juicy, with subtle hints of smoke. Try it with sausages, lamb or a holiday roast. $34/3 liters, astorwines.com

La Petite Frog Picpoul de Pinet 2016 This underappreciated white from France’s Languedoc region has a crisp, bone-dry minerality that’s delicious on its own or delightful paired with cheese, shellfish or roasted poultry. $35/3 liters, astorwines.com

Archer Roose Carménère Rich and plummy with a plush finish, this South American classic is sourced from a family-run vineyard in Chile’s storied Colchagua Valley and pairs perfectly with smoked meats, steaks and sharp cheeses. $33/3 liters, drizly.com

VRAC Côtes du Rhône A fresh, light, expertly balanced red that’s terrifically easy to drink. Its Old World personality suits everything from game to ripe cheeses and roasted meat. $35/3 liters, astorwines.com

Cantina Valpantena Garganega The name might be a mouthful, but Garganega isn’t as exotic as it sounds: it’s the main grape in the classic white wine Soave from the Veneto region. Gently fruity and round, though never flabby, it has enough body to stand up to food but also makes an excellent aperitif. $29/3 liters, drizly.com