Closure Type: Bag-in-box

(2025) This is a 1.5 litre bag in box, the wine stated to stay fresh for six week after opening, and containing the equivalent of two standard bottles. It's part of a range of alternative packaged wines that includes a 250ml can of Côtes du Rhône also reviewed, though I have to say the quality of this Villages wine is superior. It has the bright, red and black, juicy berry appeal but adds a creaminess and much more depth. On the palate in particular the smooth ripeness of the fruity and the density (note also 14.5% alcohol) gives a big, Chateauneuf-style presence here. Bring on the barbie for this one. Price for a 1.5 litre bag in box. Watch the video for more information.

(2020) From the Western Cape, a blend of Cinsault and Pinotage (itself a cross-breed of Cinsault and Pinot Noir) coming in a 1.5 litre bag-in-box, and stressing it's eco-credentials of low carbon footrprint, recyclability and sustainability, and if that's not enough a percentage of sales goes to social upliftment in South Africa. The stuff inside? Well Bruce Jack knows what he is doing and this is a plummy, fruity and spicy gluggable party wine, with a perfumed character and balanced fruit. Enough tannin and acidity to make it food-friendl, it's on offer in Tesco until 28th December 2020 at £10 - £5 per bottle equivalent - so although it ain't no fine wine, it could be of interest. For more information watch the video.

(2017) Produced at the Azienda Grappolo d’Oro on the Alpine terraces of Friuli, the Martincigh family farm this 20-hectare estate, which has been devoted to vineyards since Roman Times. This is a terrifically expressive Sauvignon, capturing some of the brilliance normally associated with Marlborough in New Zealand, but tempered with a classic northern European restraint. There's a hint of Alpine white flowers, a touch of English summer hedgerows, and an exotic fruitiness with notes of lychee and juicy, ripe mango along with some lemony zest. The smooth, ripe character of the palate has weight and real presence, and a similar balance of the tropical and of clear, shimmering focus to the fruit and acidity. Super-impressive. A 2.25-litre box costs £27.00 (£9.00 per bottle equivalent) and 5-litres costs £49.00, or £7.36 per bottle equivalent.