Due to popular demand from fellow wine drinkers (Toby, this one is for you), I am dedicating this month’s post to boxed wine. However, the boxed Chablis of the 80s is a thing of the past. Boxed wine has made a come back during the past year and has become a hip, new fad amongst wine drinkers. Actually, boxed wine is a good choice if you want to help save the environment. The boxes used are usually recycled (if not,they should be!) and reduce gashouse emissions (and saves money).

Boxed wine will make a great addition to your Super Bowl parties this weekend, so there is no need to bring that jug of Gallo that your grandparents gave you last year for Christmas. The fancy term that the Australians use is “cask” of wine (I guess box sounds too cheap, perhaps?) Boxed wine is slowly losing its “hey, this would make great wine for cheap homemade wine coolers” reputation. I actually sampled some of this new hip boxed wine at a party and I was amazingly surprised.  You can find great deals at BevMo or discounted club stores. If you are feeling adventurous this weekend and want to impress your friends, bring  boxed wine (and leave the jugs at home).

Here are some top brands you might want to sample:

• Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red Padthaway 2006 (Australia) – Under $10
• Peter Vella Cabernet Sauvignon – Under $12
• Black Box Chardonnay – Under $25