THINKING INSIDE THE BOX

You might be shocked to learn the four bestselling wines in Ontario by volume come in a box. Despite the stigma, the best boxed wine is pretty decent juice — especially since the LCBO opened the category last year to include imported and VQA Ontario offerings. Boxes also save space, are relatively lightweight and stay fresh for at least four weeks after opening. So go smart casual with these best boxed wines.

NV Radio Boca Tempranillo, 3L, Spain (LCBO 491118 $38.95 in stores and online)

Radio Boca from Spain strikes several chords at once. The package is kitschy-kitschycool; the wine is made from Tempranillo, the same grape used to make all those fashionable Rioja reds; and the wine itself is delicious. Think dry and savory flavours of black cherries, coffee, cocoa, white pepper and an intense mineral finish. It’s a dashing red that, if you drink it with your eyes closed, might just take you to Madrid. Outstanding Spanish red that works out to the equivalent of about $9.75/750mL bottle. Score: 93

2016 Fielding Long Weekend Wine Co. Chardonnay Pinot Grigio, 3L, VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON (LCBO 492335 $44.95 in stores and online)

Not only is the name and packaging charming, so is the spirited juice inside. Expect silky flavours of Granny Smith apples laced with lime oil and sea spray, and a long, dry and delicate chalkiness on the finish. Curiously, Fielding Estate Winery has sold only about 3,000 boxes of this white since the launch last March, so it’s clearly undersung. But it definitely deserves your attention. At the equivalent of about $11.25/bottle, it’s the perfect summer white—with or without the road trip. Score: 91

2016 Folonari Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT 3L, Italy (LCBO 492116 $45.95 in stores and online)

This Pinot Grigio is popular for good reason. Its polished mouthfeel and delicate flavours of lime leaf, lemon zest, and white flowers draw you in, while whispers of chalk, salt and cool stone add interest and sophistication. Breezy and easy, this white works well for almost any occasion—from that after work drink that helps you shift gears to something to put in a pitcher when friends come around for dinner. At the equivalent of about $11.50/750mL, it’s a smart choice. Score: 90+

2015 Cupcake Red Velvet, 3L, California (LCBO 510883 $46.95 in stores and online)

One of the best things about this particular red is its ability to swing from a stand-alone cocktail wine to a crowd-pleasing accompaniment too grilled foods—because it’s not to dry nor too sweet. It’s a velvety blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Petite Sirah with a lush lick of sun-drenched choco-berry goodness threaded with notes of mocha, vanilla and almond. A good buy at $15.95/750mL bottle, and even better value in this format, which brings down the price the equivalent of about $11.75 per 750mL. Score: 91+

2017 Open Smooth Red, 3L, VQA Ontario (LCBO 492249 $41.95 in stores and online)

If you like your wine light, sweet, and juicy, grab a box of this local red. It teems with flavours of cranberries, strawberries and sugared rhubarb; packs a generous 27 grams per liter of sugar balanced with bracing acidity—so it tastes sweet but finishes dry; and is relatively low in alcohol at just 12.5 per cent. Pour this smooth, light red (even over ice) with grilled chicken drumsticks for a treat. Delicious value at the equivalent of about $10.50 per 750mL. Score: 89