Boxed Wine Reviewers Anger Merlot, with "Drinking Inside the Box"

Yet another report has surfaced entitled: "Drinking Inside the Box," which was perhaps a clever turn of phrase when it was first used to direct readers to the benefits contained therein, if you will. However, that was some time ago-- perhaps too long, and we feel the phrase is worn, like the springs of a mattress within Nevada's storied Mustang Ranch.

If it would do any good, we would appeal to boxed wine writers everywhere to refrain, and to pay closer attention to their language and usage as they bring knowledge to the masses in describing the benefits of boxed blends. Examples appear to be everywhere Merlot turns his gaze (see, here,in Chicago, here,in Atlanta and here, in Milwalkee, and here, in California).

I would be nice to have this buzz phrase, if you will, placed on ice, and locked away from any boxed wine musing in the future. We feel as though we should rather soak our heads and bob for floating turds in the Hudson, as it were, here from the deck of our floating home at the Boat Basin, if we read any more wine writings entitled: "drinking inside the box".

Writes Andrew Raven, of the Lowell Sun, in the great state of Massachusettes, with the above linked photos of a California blend: "Boxed wine is no longer a low-brow alternative to cheap beer at a college frat party,"

"Judging by the shelves at local wine shops, wine in a box has gone upscale. High end labels are now available in airtight plastic bags packaged inside flashy cardboard boxes.

The benefits of these boxed beverages are numerous, explains Don Muraca, a sales manager with wine distributor MS Walker in Boston.

“The wine lasts longer because no air gets inside,” said Muraca. “It's also more convenient.” more>>