Battle of the Boxes Recap Thu, Dec 01, 22 | wine Boxed wine has come a long way from its early days (think Franzia), and its sustainable design holds the equivalent of four bottles of wine making it easy to take anywhere – what’s not to love! To show everyone what all the buzz is about, we hosted a Battle of the Boxes free tasting and contest every Friday during the month of January. These boxed wines battled it out for best box as participants voted for his or her favorite box at the free tasting. And it doesn’t stop there – by voting, tasters were entering for a chance to win a box from the tasting lineup! Who doesn’t love free wine and a little friendly competition!? Below we have a little recap with tasting notes and the winners of each box battle. Want to know what’s happening next or partake in our boxed wine reviews? Our in-store tastings as well as events we’re a part of around town can be found on our website! Cabernet Box Battle featuring: Bota Box, Big Green Box, Black Box and Gran Verano Cabernet Sauvignon The Winner: Bota Box, Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina “Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of black cherry and blackberry with a touch of violet and black peppercorn. Medium in body, this wine is supple and juicy with rich flavors of red currant, black fruit compote and spice on the finish.” – Bota Box Pairs well with: barbecued meats, hearty stews or pasta served with marinara sauce Big Green Box, Cabernet Sauvignon Valle Central, Chile “Our Pepperwood Grove Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and inviting, aromas of blackberry, red currant, dark chocolate and mocha draw you in. Flavors of dried sweet cherry, toasted coconut and sweet leather play against the long finish.” – Pepperwood Grove Pairs well with: New York strip steak with blue cheese crumble, bbq chicken pizza or a grilled portobello mushroom burger Black Box, Cabernet Sauvignon Valle Central, Chile “Black Box Wines Cabernet Sauvignon displays lovely aromas of black currants, with hints of mocha and toasty oak. Black cherry and chocolate flavors come together with smooth tannins, leading to a soft, lingering finish.” – Black Box Wines Pairs well with: filet mignon, roast duck, pork tenderloin or mushroom ravioli Gran Verano, Cabernet Sauvignon Valle Central, Chile “This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep and intense ruby-red color with pleasant notes of plums, blackberries and figs. On the palate, it has a juicy flavor with a pleasant, well rounded finish.” – The Global Vineyard Pairs well with: beef and venison Pinot Box Battle featuring: Big Green Box Pinot Grigio versus Bota Box Pinot Grigio and Big Green Box Pinot Noir versus Bota Box Pinot Noir The Winner: Big Green Box, Pinot Grigio California “Our Pepperwood Grove Pinot Grigio boasts bright aromas of quince, dried fig and lemon zest. Tangy flavors of green apple combine with tropical notes of guava from the addition of the French Colombard grape. The great acidity in this wine makes it a perfect candidate for pairing with a variety of foods.” – Pepperwood Grove Pairs well with: fresh crab cakes, chicken Alfredo pasta or a baked brie and warm bread appetizer Bota Box, Pinot Grigio California “Bota Box Pinot Grigio offers lively aromas of nectarine, white peach, and light floral notes. This delightful medium-bodied wine has flavors of ripe peach, nectarine and bright citrus with a refreshing, clean finish.” – Bota Box Pairs well with: no-fuss dinner entrees like pork stir-fry, grilled chicken salad or adult Mac n’ Cheese with a spicy kick of chorizo. Serve chilled. The Winner: Big Green Box, Pinot Noir Valle Central, Chile “Our Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir is beautifully crafted, aromas of ripe cherries, baking spices and vanilla are vibrant on the nose. This wine exhibits enticing flavors of cranberry, red raspberry and caramel. Medium-bodied and expressive, this Pinot Noir is made for pairing with your favorite dishes.” – Pepperwood Grove Pairs well with: grilled pork chops, cheeseburger and fries or a tomato bruschetta for some lighter fare Bota Box, Pinot Noir Chile “Bota Box Pinot Noir offers bright aromas of cherry, blackberry and cocoa. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir has plush flavors of strawberry and cherry with hints of soft, toasty oak, which lead into elegant mid-palate tannins and a clean finish.” – Bota Box Pairs well with: turkey burgers, wild mushroom pizza, and baked ziti with caramelized onions and goat cheese European Box Throw Down featuring: La Vieille Ferme Blanc, La Vieille Ferme Rouge, Ciconia, and Shania Monastrell La Vieille Ferme, Blanc France Beautifully pale in color, with glimmering highlights. The delicate nose of white flowers, peach and citrus is outstandingly fresh. With a rich, well-balanced attack the palate offers superb tension, elegant floral and citrus aromas, great aromatic persistence and a delicious touch of crispness.” – La Vieille Ferme Pairs well with: chicken and turkey La Vieille Ferme, Rouge France “Beautiful red color, with purple highlights. With a lot of freshness, this rich and spicy wine offers red and black fruits aromas (blackberry, black currant). The palate is beautifully balanced, crunchy, with silky tannins and a very long and aromatic finish.” – La Vieille Ferme Pairs well with: pork The Winner: Ciconia Alentejano, Portugal “The wine possesses complexity aromas that suggest spices and red berries, with some toasted notes as result of a short period in oak. That in combination with good structure of bark allows it presentation of very rounded and balance wine in the mouth.” – wine-searcher.com Pairs well with: pasta, red meats and mature cheeses Shania, Monastrell Spain “Intense deep red cherry color, a juicy, forward red, sporting a mix of cassis and blueberry flavors. Fine tannins and bright acidity with solid length and savory finish.” – wine-searcher.com Pairs well with: lamb Pump up the Basses featuring: Cuvée des 3 Messes Basses Ventoux Blanc, Rosé and Rouge Cuvee des 3 Messes Basses, Ventoux Blanc Rhone, France “One of my favorite guilty pleasures in the dead of winter is wine that brings me back to the more temperate days of summer. That is why this month (January), 3 Messes Basses, Ventoux Blanc will be a permanent fixture in the beverage fridge. The pretty aromatics of citrus, green apple, peach pit and white flowers are like a mid-winter spa day for the sinuses. You owe it to yourself to turn up the heat and enjoy the fresh flavors of white peach and citrus while basking in the glory of an evening stay-cation. 50% Clairette, 50% Grenache Blanc.” – Molly’s Wine Manager, Scott Pairs well with: steam jets, dry sauna heat, white meats and seafood Cuvee des 3 Messes Basses, Ventoux Rose Rhone, France “Holy Rose Mania! The amount of Pink goodness that you fine folks have slurped down over the last year is astonishing. In years past, the pulse of Rose consumption was barely palpable, but in 2017 you are rewriting the rules. As Rose supply is on the wane we are having trouble keeping up with your demand. Problem solved – 4 bottles worth of Pink goodness in a convenient 3 liter box. This January keep your box handling skills on point and drink the pink. This refreshing and crisp rose boasts fresh red berry fruit, hints of kiwi, and subtle citrus on a serious mineral driven platform. 60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 20% Carignan.” – Molly’s Wine Manager, Scott Pairs well with: cured meats and ripe cheeses The Winner: Cuvee des 3 Messes Basses, Ventoux Rouge Rhone, France “The Rouge is the most serious of this boxed trifecta of Ventoux terrior expression. While there is certainly dark beery and plumy goodness presented in this wine – it is so much more. Earth, spice, violets, garrigue and licorice create layers of olfactory and flavor complexity. If your favorite box wine is Franzia Chillable Red please do not purchase this wine – YOU WILL NOT LIKE IT. If you spend time in the French aisle and want a huge Bang for your Box Buck – just say yes to 3 Messes Basses, Ventoux, Rouge. 60% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 20% Carignan.” – Molly’s Wine Manager, Scott Pair well with: lamb, herb roasted chicken, vegetable cassoulet or white pepper crusted pork chops
