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Humans were uncorking bottles of wine in pre-biblical times and the trend has yet to slow. Wine has proved to be an integral part of human history, cultural development and overall merriment and without it we would doubtfully be the same. The juicy nectar has won the hearts of every generation and has influenced every corner of the earth.
Wine is clearly here to stay and that is a comforting fact. But how do we feel about its evolution? A particular breed of wine has grown in stature during recent years but many recoil with distaste when they discover that the new trend is –gasp- boxed wine. I too was dubious at my first sightings of Black Box, French Rabbit and Andrew’s Peace. What business did these cardboard liters have mingling amongst my beloved glass bottles? They seemed so gaudy, so unconventional, so out of place.
But then I tried one. And then I tried another. The stuff wasn’t anything like a first cru Bordeaux but it also was leaps ahead the boxed stuff my parents drank throughout the ‘80s. I quickly began to see a few upsides to the world of boxed wines.
The materials are cheaper, lighter and easier to transport. All of this means that imported wines can come to us faster and with a lower price tag. It’s also important to note that boxed wines with inner bags last significantly longer than bottled versions. There’s no need to rush to the bottom when you know your last glass will be as fresh as the first. And furthermore, the packaging entices a whole new crowd of imbibers. By shedding the frightening price tag and dawning a friendly exterior, the wine-lovers crowd grows. As they say, the more the merrier.
The big fear here is that we will lose the tradition that comes with drinking bottled wine. The process of uncorking and decanting alone is a precious ritual that few connoisseurs would willingly let go. We are, undoubtedly, eons from a complete crossover to boxed vino however, so the point is moot for now. In the mean time, I think it best not to argue. As Napoleon once said, “Wine is inspiring and adds greatly to the joy of living.” I’ll gladly take my inspiration in any form, boxed or bottled.
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