I’ve had a few run-ins with boxed wine in my day, mostly in college, and they’re experiences I’d care not to revisit. But when I visited a local wine shop that focuses on budget-friendly wines, and saw French Rabbit’s eco-friendly claims, I had to check it out. My thoughts, after the jump…

French Rabbit wines come packaged in a Tetra-Prisma container–they’re 100% recyclable (if you can recycle Tetra-Paks in your area, which is supposed to become easier), and weight considerably less than a glass bottle. By French Rabbit’s estimates, the Tetra-Prisma uses 90% less packaging than traditional packaging. Shipping costs are also reduced due to a lighter overall product, reducing fuel use and emission production. I found the design to be very thoughtful. If you don’t drink the entire box, you open the flaps at the top of the box to squeeze out any air until you drink the rest. And the very, very best part about the packaging? They’re 1L containers. That means you’re getting about two glasses more than a traditional bottle.

But how does it taste? I make no claims to being an oenophile, but I drink wine frequently, usually $20 or less bottles. I tried French Rabbit’s Cabernet Sauvignon, but they also have a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and two Family Reserves, one red, one white. The Cabernet had a strong aroma and tasted of berries, and was easy drinking. I’d gladly buy it again, particularly since the price (around $10) is so great. And because of its light packaging, French Rabbit wines are perfect for camping or backpacking, particularly since the packaging folds flat when you inevitably drain the bottle. I’d say make the move to French Rabbit as a reliable bargain wine, particularly if you have access to Tetra-Pak recycling.

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