BOXED wine is a great way to save money for a get-together – as well as a perfect picnic accompaniment as it is lighter and there’s plenty to share.
Today’s cartons of vino are much better thanks to new technology and better seals giving producers the confidence to package their best wines this way.
Boxed wine is a great way to save money for a get-together
Wine expert Helena Nicklin tasted a selection of boxed and pouched wines under £15
Wine expert Helena Nicklin, from thethreedrinkers.com, tasted a selection of boxed and pouched wines under £15 and gave us her verdict out of five.
BEST TO IMPRESS: 5/5
La Dame en Rose, French rosé, Terres du Midi, 1.5L, £13 (£6.50 per bottle equivalent) M&S in stores, Ocado.com
Peach and strawberry-scented and perfect for summer. This Gallic glugger hails from a warmer part of France, which adds an extra dollop of ripe fruit flavour.
This dazzling drop does not disappoint and would be lovely enjoyed over ice. Rich and weighty and great alone or with any kind of food, this dame in a pouch is class in a glass.
BEST FOR BBQs: 3/5
Puglia Rosso, pouch, 1.5L, £13.50 (£6.75 per bottle equivalent) M&S in stores, Ocado.com
Another properly good pouch of wine, from the Italian region of Puglia. This elegant, berry-red beauty is all about crunchy fruit flavours and pops of plum with a rustic earthiness to boot.
Try it chilled from a tumbler as something different this summer, which also makes it perfect for a picnic with some paté and cold cuts or a meat feast BBQ. Bellissima!
Pinot Grigio: 2/5
Pinot Grigio, Morrisons 2.25L £12.89 (£4.30 bottle equivalent) morrisons.com
The subtle, smoky twist gives away its Moldovan heritage.
It’s a decent drop that does what it says on the tin without setting the world on fire but without tasting of hangover either.
CHARDONNAY: 2/5
Chardonnay, 2.25L, £11.99 (£4 per bottle equivalent) aldi.co.uk
A bit like a flinty French Chablis, but from Chile.
Flavour-wise, it’s crying out for some nibbles. I’d have a glass of this with a handful of salty nuts or crisps, and a sliver of hard cheese.
BEST FOR PARTIES: 5/5
Pinot Grigio Rosé, House, by Sainsbury’s 2.25L, £13 (£4.33 per bottle equivalent) sainsburys.co.uk
I was surprised how good this boxed rosé was for the price.
Dry, with subtle pear and red fruit flavours – well-balanced and refreshing.
CHARDONNAY: 4/5
Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, Tesco 2.25L, £12.50 (£4.17 per bottle equivalent) tesco.com
If you like your Chardonnay more soft vanilla than oaky, then this is a good choice.
This Aussie Chardonnay is fruity, ripe and round but not too sweet and very easy to drink.
BEST FOR DINNER: 3/5
Soave, House, by Sainsburys 2.25L £13 (£4.33 per bottle equivalent) sainsburys.co.uk
This light and refreshing Italian wine is dry and savoury with a yeasty kick and a refreshing, under-ripe pear vibe.
Great for a summer dinner party.
BEST FOR MAKING SANGRIA: 2/5
Shiraz, Spain, 2.25L, £11.99 (£4 per bottle equivalent) aldi.co.uk
On first glug this ravishing red is jam-packed full of sweet plum fruit with a velvety chocolate texture, but is let down by a bitter finish.
A great base for a summery jug of Sangria.