I'm A Livin' In A Box

...a cardboard box. Okay folks, my complete review of the boxed wines is finally complete. I decided to do a one post round up vs. individual posts for all of the boxed wines. Let me tell you, I am very happy to start drinking outside of the box! Summer is knocking on our door here in New England and my mind is on crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blancs, Rose and lobster! For those of you in the same situation, staring down warm weather, I'm happy to tell you some of the wines in a box will be perfect for your big summer parties and barbecues as it's much easier, and at the end of the day just as good as some of the less expensive wines out there, than buying a bunch of bottles or a case. So here we go, the best of the boxes I spent the last couple of months in are as follows: Pepperwood Grove Pepperwood Grove gets two nominations on this list. Their Old Vine Zinfandel is a good red that's big with dark berries, some spice and tobacco. Zinfandels go well with your summer barbecued meats so it's always a good red when everyone's mind is going to white in the warmer weather. If you're in the market for a white their Chardonnay should satisfy. It's crisp and light for a Chardonnay (you won't get a big, oaky, butter flavor on the palate with this one) with some green apple, a little vanilla and some citrus. This will go great with your summer platters of cheeses and procured meats--think prosciutto-wrapped melon, some good salami and some of that baked feta I blogged the recipe on months ago on top of some Granny Smith apple slices (you'll pick up the green apple in the wine). Big House Wines Dave and I tried their 2008 Big House Red on a night when his parents had us for dinner. I found this wine to be pleasant and lovely with our roasted chicken with red fruits (cherry) and some spice, think black pepper. I think it's best for a novice wine drinker that is scared of trying red wines (or swears up and down they don't like 'em). This is a blend meaning there's a few grapes that go into this box including Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mouvedre, Granache and some others. Pepperoni pizza, barbecued baby back ribs and classic pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs will friend this wine just fine. The good news? These boxed wines stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks and is a great way to get a good amount of wine that you can serve up without spending an arm and a leg. As for myself I am very much looking forward to rejoining the world of the bottle, but I won't forget my time spent in the box! Cheers, Tricia