Have you ever wondered if boxed wines can really match the quality of their bottled counterparts?
In my opinion, and most wine drinkers are coming to a similar view, the modern boxed wines on offer today are just as good and sometimes better than the traditional bottled wines.
Whether you're looking for a wine to store in your fridge for weeks or a low price per bottle when organizing a party, boxed wine is the way to go. It's also easy to serve crowds and transport when traveling, no corkscrew needed.
Bota Box is a brand from Napa, California, that serves a full variety of grapes, from whites to reds and rosé.
With its environmentally conscious packaging and low carbon footprint, Bota's boxed wines are a great option if you want to savor a quality glass of vino and still be kind to the environment.
But does that mean that Bota Box wine is actually any good? In this Bota Box wine review, I'll give my verdict on the various flavors available from Bota Box.
Read on to learn more about:
- Who Bota Box are, and what they stand for
- Types of Bota Box wine you can purchase
- An overview of all of Bota Box’s wines, and their flavor profiles
- Our favorite Bota Box wine pairings
- Which Bota Box wines are winners in our books
Let's get into it!
Types of Bota Box Wine
Bota Box boasts an impressive selection of wines on its website, from classic crisp sauvignon blanc to an elegant pinot noir. These wines are carefully curated to give you the best wine experience, whilst keeping their carbs (and calories!) low.
Old Vine Zinfandel
- Type: Red
- Flavor profile: A bold and fruit-forward wine with ripe cherry and plum flavors. The black pepper cuts through the richness.
- Alcohol content:13.5%
- Price: $19.99 - $24.99
- Availability: The Old Vine Zinfandel is available in many stores in the US. A full list can be found here.
Taking my first sip of this Old Vine Zinfandel, I was immediately struck by the intense aromas of ripe cherry and savory herbs. It's a bold and robust wine that's perfect for those who enjoy a full-bodied red.
I noticed a slight toastiness that adds depth to the flavors. The tannins are present but not overpowering and provide a pleasant structure to the wine.
Overall, I found the Old Vine Zinfandel to be a complex and interesting wine with a fruit-forward finish that lingers on the palate. It's definitely one of my top picks and a great wine for the price.
Pinot Noir
- Type: Red
- Flavor profile: prominent fruity flavors with hints of cherry pie, rhubarb and clove.
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- Price: $17.99 - $24.99
- Availability: Available in multiple stores around the US, a full list can be found here.
Bota Box's Pinot Noir is a delicious, fruity red with a strong cherry flavor.
It's a medium-bodied wine and has touches of herbs and cocoa in the finish.
I think this wine would make for an excellent pairing with strong flavors, such as gamey meats like venison or duck, as well as vegetable-forward dishes like roasted root vegetables or mushroom risotto.
Overall, I think Bota Box's Pinot Noir is a delicious and versatile wine that's perfect for any occasion. It can be enjoyed by both wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, and it's definitely one of the Bota Box red wines that I'll be indulging in again.
Redvolution
- Type: Red
- Flavor profile: A beautifully rich flavor profile with cocoa, cherry, oak and deep spices taking center stage
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- Price: $16.99 - $22.49
- Availability: Available in multiple stores around the US, a full list can be found here.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Type: Red
- Flavor profile: This beautiful wine has rich berry aromas, with a slightly spicy taste all thanks to the black currant and black pepper.
- Alcohol content: 13.0%
- Price: $16.99 - $23.99
- Availability: Available in multiple stores in the US, a full list of suppliers can be found here.
The Cabernet Sauvignon has a juicy black currant flavor that's just a touch spicy, but for me, this added some depth and complexity, yet it was still light and easy to drink.
In my view, this Cabernet Sauvignon would pair particularly well with hearty dishes like pasta, soups, or a wintertime beef stew. The juicy black currant flavor and the touch of spiciness complement the rich flavors of these dishes, while the wine's lightness will prevent it from overpowering the meal.
Pinot Grigio
- Type: White
- Flavor profile: A fresh white wine, with fruity flavors of peach, citrus fruits, and summery floral notes.
- Alcohol content: The percentage of alcohol in the wine
- Price: 12.0%
- Availability: Available in a range of stores throughout the US, which can be found here.
Bota's Pinot Grigio is another crowd-pleasing white wine, and I tasted notes of peach, green apple, and citrus, and a clean finish with floral notes — in my mind, it's the perfect white wine for summer days when you need something refreshing.
Chardonnay
- Type: White
- Flavor profile: A crisp flavor profile with citrus, honeydew melon and oak taking center stage to create a playful, and bold chardonnay.
- Alcohol content: 13.0%
- Price: $13.99 - $21.50
- Availability: Available in a range of stores throughout the US, which can be found here.
For white wine the majority of your guests will enjoy at a party, I highly recommend this light, oaky chardonnay the brand offers.
The taste is balanced with fruit tones, from honeydew melon and apple to lemon, and the overall sensation is fresh and inviting.
It pairs exceptionally well with fish and seafood, making it a great option for a seafood feast. But it's also an excellent choice for a casual cookout or backyard BBQ.
If you're planning a larger event or gathering, consider stocking up on more than one box of this chardonnay. Trust me, your guests will thank you. It's an easy-drinking wine that's sure to please even the pickiest of palates.
Sauvignon Blanc
- Type: White
- Flavor profile: This refreshing white wine has flavors of lime zest, melon, and lemongrass, giving it a perfect fresh finish.
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- Price: $16.99 - $24.99
- Availability: Bota Box’s Sauvignon Blanc can be found online here.
Next up, I tried the Sauvignon Blanc; as soon as I took a smell, the aromas of ripe tropical fruits, such as pineapple and papaya, filled my senses. On the palate, I was welcomed by the same fruitiness with undertones of apple, peach, and lychee.
This wine pleasantly surprised me; despite having a sweetness to it, it doesn't feel overly sweet or cloying like some other whites can sometimes do. The balance between acidity, fruitiness, and minerality makes this a great option for any occasion – from casual gatherings with friends to more formal dinners. I think it would make a great pairing with a soft goat cheese salad or any seafood dish.
Shiraz
- Type: Red
- Flavor profile: The rich flavor profile is created with flavors of cherry, vanilla, and toasted oak. Hints of black pepper linger on the palate.
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- Price: The price range for the wine
- Availability: Bota Box’s Shiraz can be found at various outlets across the US, full availability can be found here.
This full-bodied red wine opened its arms to me with aromas of dark fruit - blackberries, blueberry compote, plum sauce, and spice. On the palate, I found Shiraz to have a juicy texture with flavors of black pepper and cedar wood that linger long after sipping it. And I noticed intense notes of fig jam with subtle hints of licorice in its finish.
My go-to pairing with a Shiraz is a high-quality, high cocoa-content dark chocolate. But this boxed Shiraz would also complement strong cheeses or meat dishes like pulled pork, steaks, and hamburgers.
Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon
- Type: Red
- Flavor profile: This rich wine had flavors of jammy fruit, with sweet hints of vanilla, oak, and cream caramel.
- Alcohol content: 14.5%
- Price: $17.99 - $20.80
- Availability: This wine is available in various stores- that can be found here.
I was curious to try out the Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon from their Nighthawk Black range of wines, and let me tell you; it did not disappoint.
This wine is aged in fine bourbon barrels, and for me, the flavor was much bolder and more complex than what I usually find in cabernets. Black fruits with a sweet, jammy taste, combined with a hint of smokiness from the barrels, is what I got on the palate.
This boldness is balanced out by its smoother finish that left my mouth tingling with hints of white pepper and cinnamon.
I didn't have to second think about what I'd pair with this Sauvignon; it would have to be a steak! The intense flavor of the Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon would only enhance the succulent flavors of an expertly cooked steak.
Merlot
- Type: Red
- Flavor profile: Straightforward, rich, flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum.
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- Price: $16.99 - $21.99
- Availability: Available in various stores across the US, which can be found here.
I was excited to see that Bota Box added a merlot to their range. This beautiful medium-bodied wine was perfect for a romantic date night.
I personally loved the rich fruity flavors such as plum and cherry, and found this was perfectly balanced by a slight herbal finish.
The wine paired almost perfectly with the steak we had for dinner, complementing the savory, rich flavors in the meal. This merlot is definitely a favorite for date nights!
Riesling
- Type: White
- Flavor profile: A medium-bodied wine with sweet flavors of nectarine, melon, and honey, with a lingering floral scent.
- Alcohol content: 11.5%
- Price: $17.99 - $21.99
- Availability: Stores that stock this wine across the US can be found here.
To be honest, I am not a big fan of German wines like Riesling, and it would be tough to give an unbiased tasting. But I didn't have to press my Riesling-loving friend to try it, as she was already excited.
She described tasting the Riesling from Bota Box as like taking a sip of sunshine - light, vibrant, and refreshingly sweet. Reading from her tasting notes, the aroma was a mix of stone fruit and citrus. On the palate, it had a good balance of acidity and sweetness, with flavors of mango and honeydew melon. The finish was surprisingly dry, clean, and smooth.
I asked her what she'd pair it with, and she went for a savory dish, grilled shrimp, or a sweet dessert like a crème brûlée.
Dry Rosé
- Type: Rose
- Flavor profile: Playful flavors of grapefruit zest, and a wild strawberry aroma.
- Alcohol content: 11.5%
- Price: $17.99 - $21.99
- Availability: Stores that stock Bota Box’s dry rose can be found here.
As the old adage goes, 'life is too short to drink bad wine,' and that's exactly why I decided to try Bota Box Dry Rosé. Most wine drinkers will agree that dry rosé can be a tricky one to master; it's not as sweet as you may expect but still has enough of a fruity character to make it enjoyable. After giving this particular bottle a whirl, here are my thoughts on its taste profile.
The aroma was quite pleasant, with hints of cherry blossom, raspberry, and golden delicious apples. On the palate, there were light floral notes accompanied by tart cranberry flavors, which made for an overall refreshing sip. The finish was well-balanced and ended with citrusy undertones - just what you'd want from a good-quality dry rose.
I can see why this is one of the most popular Bota Box wines. I'd say it makes a lovely accompaniment to a light pasta dish like pasta primavera or as an aperitif on its own
Pros & Cons
Bota Box Wine Pros | Bota Box Wine Cons |
Generally easy wines to drink | The flavor profiles may be too simple for some |
Decent variety of blend and grape options for all tastes | Some whites can taste too metallic but the majority are clean |
Wide availability of products including whites, roses, and reds that are stocked across the country | |
Affordable price tag, especially for low-carb wines | |
Handles storage well | |
Consistently positive online reviews |
Tasting Notes
Wine | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|
Old Vine Zinfandel | Intense aromas of ripe cherry and savory herbs, bold and robust, with a fruit-forward finish |
Pinot Noir | Strong cherry flavor, medium-bodied with touches of herbs and cocoa in the finish |
Redvolution | Spicy and leathery, with notes of black cherry and cocoa in the finish |
Cabernet Sauvignon | Juicy black currant flavor, slightly spicy, light and easy to drink |
Pinot Grigio | Notes of peach, green apple, and citrus, clean finish with floral notes |
Chardonnay | Balanced with fruit tones like honeydew melon and apple, fresh and inviting |
Sauvignon Blanc | Aromas of ripe tropical fruits like pineapple, juicy texture with undertones of apple and peach |
Shiraz | Aromas of dark fruit like blackberries and blueberry compote, juicy texture with notes of black pepper |
Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon | Rich and full-bodied, with notes of vanilla and oak |
Merlot | Straight forward, rich, flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum. |
Riesling | Light, vibrant, and refreshingly sweet, with a mix of stone fruit and citrus flavors |
Dry Rosé | Light and refreshing with a mix of floral and fruit flavors |
Pairing Bota Box Wine With Food
Ah, the age-old question: what wine pairs best with food? With Bota Box Wine, you don't have to worry. All of their wines are perfectly suited for pairing with a variety of dishes. Whether it’s a classic Italian dish or an exotic Thai delicacy, there's a match.
When choosing your perfect pairing, consider the richness of the dish; if it's heavy on proteins and fats like steak or pork chops, then go for a robust red wine such as Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon. For lighter fare like salmon or shrimp, reach for a zesty white varietal like their Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
Rosé is also great for in-between courses when going from one flavor profile to another. And don't forget about dessert – the Riesling won't overpower any sweet treats you may be having afterward.
Wine | Pairings |
|---|---|
Old Vine Zinfandel | Hearty meat dishes like beef stew or grilled meats |
Pinot Noir |
|
Redvolution |
|
Cabernet Sauvignon |
|
Pinot Grigio |
|
Chardonnay |
|
Sauvignon Blanc |
|
Shiraz |
|
Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon |
|
Merlot |
|
Riesling |
|
Dry Rosé |
|
FAQS
This is a tight race, but the majority of Bota Box wine varieties tend to be more palatable out of the two, especially for an occasional drinker. Black Box is often considered slightly higher quality, but many of Bota’s varieties, like the Pinot Grigio, easily beat their competition.
California brand Bota Box wines come in three-liter boxes, which is the size of four standard bottles or about 25 glasses of wine. You can also buy a Bota Brick that’s the size of two wine bottles or a Bota Mini that carries about three glasses of wine.
Boxed wine is not in contact with air like wine in an opened bottle, so it won’t go bad if you can’t finish it in a couple of days. Bota wine stays fresh for up to 30 days after opening.
Yes, Bota Box offers a strong collection of quality, boxed wines in three sizes.
As with an open bottle of wine, it’s best to store Bota Box wines in the fridge (once opened) if you’re keeping them for a long time, as they will oxidise in a few months.
Yes, you can refrigerate Bota Box wine. Bag-in-box wines last longer in cool temperatures no matter if they’re white or red. If not refrigerated, the box should remain fresh for up to one month.
If you keep your Bota Box away from light and air, your wine should stay fresh for up to a month.
Food for Thought
If you're looking for quality boxed wines to start out with, but you're not sure which brand to pick, Bota Box is a safe option. The brand produces quality wine in a box at a certified sustainable vineyard in Napa, California. And I think for the affordable price, they are some of the best-boxed wines on the market.
If you’re a serious wine enthusiast and looking for more character in your wine, Bota Box’s flavors can be too simple. Still, in their category, Bota Box wines are of good quality and reasonably priced.
If you were to ask us which of the Bota Box wines to recommend, we would have to recommend the Redvolution based on the romantic, spicy, and leathery profile which leaves you with lingering black cherry and cocoa flavors.
As for a white, we would have to choose sauvignon blanc. Their sauvignon is perfect for summer, and the playful flavors of ripe tropical fruits and apple and peach undertones make this wine perfectly drinkable.
Both of these wines are great for people looking for a crowd-pleaser for a party or trip at a low price per bottle, or for an everyday wine to sip on after work.
Bota Box Wine