Bota Bummer

A “bota bag” is a traditional Spanish container for liquids, typically made of leather it is often used to carry wine. If you can visualize a Basque herder drinking from a leather pouch, or Joe Plonk and his high school buddies sneaking whiskey into the late showing of Rocky Horror, then you’ll get the idea. Given these positive associations, and my own personal crusade to convince wine producers to sell higher quality wines in re-sealable containers, I jumped at the chance to try the 2006 Bota Box Old Vine Zinfandel from Delicato Family Vineyards.

Bota Box offers consumers six California varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Old Vine Zinfandel. Although the Bota Box Old Zinfandel wine didn’t quite meet my quality expectations (lightly perfumed and flowery, instead of big jammy zin flavor), it does take steps in the right direction for consumers. Its box is 95% post consumer fiber, is recyclable, and delivers 3 liters in a re-sealable pouch that boasts 30 day drinkability. And, at $20 for 3 liters, it has served as a good back-up for when I’ve wanted an additional glass after my daily plonker is gone. I’ve read reviews that suggest the Cabernet Sauvignon is a better wine.

Hey, DFV Wines! You're heading the right direction, but put the Gnarley Head a box… please…

Best, Joe Plonk

Click for Drink Plonk Home Page