Your Official World Cup Party Wine
By: Jameson Fink
Published: June 9, 2010

Over two years ago I took a great trip to South Africa; the above photo is a shot of Cape Town, dominated by Table Mountain. As the World Cup kicks off on Friday, I thought it appropriate to suggest a wine from the host country that also comes in a large, portable, non-shattering vessel. My choice? MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc/Viogner in a three liter box. The MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc in a bottle is a long-time favorite white: a crisp, dry, and distinctive wine for 8 bucks. What could be better? How about when you package it in a 3L box for $20, dropping the per-bottle price to a sensational 5 bucks?
I have to note that this is not the exact same wine as in the bottle. It's not vintage-dated and contains 5% Viognier. (I'm guessing that the Chenin Blanc and Viognier are from different vintages.) What is remarkable is how seemingly such an insignificant amount of Viogner really transforms this wine. You get the classic, tell-tale, floral aromatics of Viognier, especially honeysuckle and orange blossom. (A side note: Viognier, especially from the microscopic French wine region of Condrieu, is one of the loveliest smelling wines in the world.) Not only does the Viognier boost the aroma of the Chenin Blanc, but it tames the acidity and adds a little bit of heft to the finish.
So how do you feel about box wines? Do you find them useful for large gatherings? Economical? Environmentally appealing? Irresistibly and adorably packaged, like MAN in a Box?


Jameson Fink is a wine buyer at a bustling grocery store in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. He moved to Seattle from Chicago (where he dabbled in the restaurant and wine industries) five years ago to pursue a full-time career in wine. He’d rather be drinking Champagne and eating popcorn right now.

Comments:
Helen Pitlick
June 9, 2010

A good choice on so many levels. For one, country of origin. Second, it's a white wine: I can see cups flying after a critical goooooool, and you don't want red all over the living room. Third, the box. If you are one person watching from your couch, one box could last many games. If you attend a party, the box makes for easy delivery, opening and pouring. The versatility of it is brilliant-- great selection.
Anne @ Food Lov...

I would love to visit South Africe too :)
Jose Conde

Thanks for the nice mention. Actually, that wine is made from the same Chenin vineyards as our regular MAN Chenin, but with a small bit of Viognier added. Technically, it could have been a vintage wine -- 2009 -- and future releases will have the vintage stamped on the side of the box. Regards, Jose Conde (Director, MAN Vintners)