For The Love Of Port

http://www.vwm-online.com/magazine/coverstory.asp - watch out for those 3 liter boxes!

I drink box wine as my "everyday wine". They're cheap, and some are very good too.
Summer is almost here, then it'll be nice with a chilled easy drinking boxed chardonnay.

Espen: why? (price, practicality?)

Popularity in Portugal is growing fast. I cannot see myself why I would purchase it. I do not want to drink 3 litres of the wines available in box; there is a lot of variety of cheap wines and I prefer to try different wines. I have heard people say they enjoy the fact that it keeps so well (not an issue for me as wine never seems to last..). Curious to hear other opinions

Yes, price and practicality. I usually prefer to buy bottles, but this is nice when I'm poor and just need some wine. And yes, it lasts a while, that's good.
Many wines are good enough, and some are pretty good. But if you're looking for 90pt wines, look elsewhere.

I also prefer actual bottles of wine, but box wine does have its place as well. First of all I've noticed that box wine typically retains its flavor profile longer after being opened. When sailing (or camping), box wine is perfect - it is easily transported, durable, inexpensive and it also eliminates glass breakage. Although it does get a bad rap, there are times when a box of red/white is the perfect ticket.

Marc

If there was a wine I liked available in a box and the price was right, I would be all over it. Port seems like an ideal wine for a box.

Marc J. wrote:...First of all I've noticed that box wine typically retains its flavor profile longer after being opened....

The bag in the box collapses as wine is drawn, preventing air from entering. This is unlike a bottle which must allow air in to replace any wine drawn/poured.

My Eva is off for a weekend with the girls; one of the featured attractions is a local vendor with 5l boxes for $10. $10 for 6-2/3 bottles is quite a bargain (if the wine is enjoyable). Last time they did this, the tap on the box was disturbed somehow, and the entire contents of the box ended up in the vegetable-crisper drawer. Much hilarity ensued.

All
I am also in favor of boxes for parties but do not favor it for home consumption because of 1) finding a suitable wine, 2) tiring of the same favor profile after a number of days. Happy drinking.

Jim R. wrote:...tiring of the same favor profile after a number of days....

Aw, c'mon -- 5 liters? Days? That's an evening's genteel sipping for a couple of people.