Boxed wines are having quite a moment in the sun.
5 of the best boxed wines to buy now
For a start, they tick all the right boxes: Their bumper size offers good value for money, they're easy to transport, they preserve wines longer than a cork or screw cap, they're better for the environment – the cardboard and plastic bags (the wine is stored in) tend to be recyclable – and their quality has increased by leaps and bounds.
And we know exactly how to enjoy them. One of their special characteristics is you can pour yourself a glass of vino without the worry of wasting a freshly opened bottle… and you can flip-flop between a white, rosé or red, depending on your mood or menu.
To kickstart the weekend, we've pressed the nozzle on our favourite offerings…
1. Tesco Suave 2.25L Bag in Box, GBP 12.50, Tesco
A suave soave. Expect floral aromas with hints of green apple from this sun ripened, crisp, dry white with pear and citrus flavours. The purity of fruit shines through in this unoaked version – deliciously quaffable with summer salads and shellfish.
2. Echo Falls California White Zinfandel, 2.25L, GBP 16.50, Morrisons
If you've done your time with Provençal rosé and fancy a drop of Californian sunshine, this box has easy drinking appeal. It's packed with summer soft fruits and enticing aromas of strawberries and cherries.
3. Il Papavero (Bag-in-Box) NV, Vino Rosso, GBP 17.97, (2.25L) Laithwaite's
With heady red fruit aromas and a vibrant medley of sangiovese and other fruity grapes, there's a wonderful silky intensity to this wine, without any heaviness. It makes it hugely enjoyable on its own, and a natural bedfellow with pizza, pasta and anything in a tomato sauce.
4. Maree d'ione Fiano IGP Puglia Organic (2.25L), GBP 25.99, Waitrose
Italian craft wine company, When In Rome and TV presenter Phillip Schofield (yes, really) are the brains behind this wine in a tube, with its smart carry handle and picture postcard illustration. The wine itself reveals aromas of green apple, pear and blanched almond, with a fine acidity and seaside freshness that makes it ideal for having with barbecued salmon and Asian flavours.
5. Merlot Igp, Emilia 2019, Italy, Boxed Wine, 3L, GBP 42, Winebuyers
This is a smooth merlot with enough oomph to pack a punch with skewered lamb, sliders and dips. An overt, plump style that will appeal to many, there's masses of plummy rich fruit – and just as well, this lip-smacking red is in a larger format than some of the others. Cheers!