Sure, beer's great, but it can't hurt to class up your next tailgate with a boxed wine.
Black Box Wines are shatterproof, don't require a corkscrew and can keep for four weeks.
Plus, the name has a nice ring to it: "America's First Premium 3-Liter Box Wine."
OK, maybe not a nice ring, but connecting the words "premium" and "box wine" is probably a first. According to the creators, Black Box has manufactured the first premium and vintage-dated boxed wine.
Its first — a 2001 Napa Valley Chardonnay — was released in January 2003. The newest varietals are the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the Columbia Valley Riesling.
Being a "premium" wine can mean various things.
"It is not a certification — it's just their flagship line," said Frank Lietzau, owner of Wine Depot, 3840 E. Grant Road. "It's subjective."
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You're not going to find Black Box Wines being poured at tastings around Tucson, but you will find some varieties at stores such as Sunflower Farmers Market for $24 and seven varieties at Total Wine and More for $17.
Plaza Liquor Beer and Wine has sold four varieties from $24 to $27 for more than a year.
"There's definitely kind of a select following — they tend to be friendly and male," employee Brandy Ciaccio said. "I've heard they are really good."
Black Box Wines have won gold and silver medals at national wine competitions, and they have earned 12 Best Buy designations from Wine Enthusiast magazine since 2004.
One Black Box holds the equivalent of four bottles of wine. The wine is stored in a vacuum-sealed bag inside the box that prevents the oxidation that degrades bottled wines after opening.
Black Box Wines are light and compact. When the wine is finished, consumers can recycle the box and the interior bag.
Black Box offers nine varieties. In addition to the two newest wines mentioned, varietals are Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay; Sonoma County Reserve Merlot; California Merlot; California Cabernet Sauvignon; Monterey County Chardonnay; Central Coast Shiraz; and Italy Pinot Grigio. Go to www.blackboxwines.com for more information.
Mark de Vere represents Black Box Wines through Constellation Wines.
"It offers a step up in quality compared to most of our competitors," said de Vere, who earned his master of wine designation through the Institute of Masters of Wine. In addition, he said, the 3-liter size is considered more premium than the 5-liter.
"You can put good wine in a box," he said.
De Vere said he enjoys a glass of wine daily, and Black Box "makes it into my cycle."
We recently spoke by phone to de Vere, who grew up in Oxford, England. He now lives in California, where he has worked for Constellation Wines for more than four years.
Why "Black Box"?
"Because it comes in a box and it's black. It's all part of the process of demystifying wine."
What's the alcohol content of the wines?
"Thirteen to 14 percent."
What's the biggest misconception people have about boxed wines?
"They think that packaging controls quality."
Do you ever get complaints from wine snobs?
"We don't get complaints because there are plenty of wines in bottles for them. We're trying to offer an alternative."
How long can Black Box wines age before opening them?
"We recommend consuming them within a year of packaging. On the bottom of the box is a packaged-on date."
What is your favorite variety?
"I'm a fan of the two from the Central Coast — the Chardonnay and the Shiraz. I think they have really bright, vibrant, juicy flavors."
Is it true if you get lost holding a glass of Black Box wine that they can locate you by using its signal?
"No, that is a complete misconception. They can't find you, but they can help you find your next glass."
Is it also true that if you've imbibed too much Black Box wine, the next day all of the data from the past night's events will have been recorded?
"We of course recommend consuming Black Box wine in moderation. The box will help you remember the wonderful time you had."
What would Pandora have found if she had opened up a Black Box instead?
"An endless array of wonderful flavors."
Should the boxes be stored lying on their sides, like bottles of fine wine?
"You can store Black Box any way you like before it's open. (After you open it), you store it upright. . . . It stops the air from seeping in."
What's with the boxes being black? Because we're talking wines, shouldn't they be in red and white boxes?
"I could see why you would say that. There are subtle color codings on the black box. It is a little more classy."
Do you think there will come a day when diners in fine restaurants will insist on having a box of wine rather than a bottle?
"Well, before that I see a day when people might insist on having a glass of wine from a box. Often when you buy wine in a glass, it might not be perfectly fresh."
If bad guys began smuggling your wines, would that be called a boxing ring?
"Fortunately, at the moment, our wines are still legal in the 50 states, so smuggling isn't necessary. But if you like, they can be available on the black market."
