As part of their community outreach program, FoodBuzz likes to periodically buy our affections (on a strictly first come/first served basis, mind you) by giving us free stuff. This time around they reached generous new heights and sent us a box ‘o wine.

Now, before you get all judgmental and high-horsey you should know that this is actually good wine and not that nasty White Zinfandel that you started your hazy, queasy, headachy, wine-drinking career with (you know who you are). Black Box Wines has simply recognized that a bottle may not actually be the best wine delivery system ever invented and that the box – and it’s nifty internal bladder/bag thingy – just might be a vast improvement. Sure, a bottle’s got panache and all that but once it’s opened you’re pretty much committed (besides, we’ve heard that White Zin is available in a bottle too)…

A careful evaluation...

According to Black Box Wines they’ve packaged the wine this way to protect it from the detrimental affects of light and air. Which, of course, implies a few things about potential drinkers of their wine – most notably that: A) the drinker is a connoisseur of sorts who savors and enjoys wine and is loathe to let it oxidize, and B) is likely to not be the sort to finish a whole bottle of wine in one sitting. This then, of course, begs this question: why does Black Box wine come in a 3 liter container?

To the less arithmetically inclined among you we should mention that 3 liters is equal to 4(!) regular bottles of wine. So, while we can appreciate that the box can deliver a more consistent product, it also delivers it in gargantuan quantities. Can it be? Quality and quantity? Bravo, Black Box…bravo!

All ranting aside, we found that this particular Sauvignon Blanc was of the sort we normally go for and we’ve really enjoyed it so far. It’s very bright and citrusy and a great compliment to rich cheeses, olives, etc. Here’s their take on it:

The Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh and zesty wine featuring aromas of herbs and tropical fruit. This wine blends crisp acidity and a rich, fruit sweetness on the palate with a clean, dry finish. This refreshing and lively wine pairs well with most foods especially white meat and seafood dishes

We sampled it for the first time with a cobbled together plate of Salami, Brie, Prosciutto, Grilled Crostini, Fresh Fruit, and some awesome new Olive called Castel Vetrano that we got from the olive bar at Roth’s (which you must go try – they have them at LifeSource Natural Foods, too). They are big, fat, & green and have a wonderful fruity/butter flavor. By far our new favorite Olives.

Dad approves of the wine

Brie, Kiwi, Prosciutto, Grilled Crostini, Salami, and Castel Vetrano Olives