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A box of wine that guests will actually want to drink: Picpoul de Pinet

Boxed wines have come a long way over the last decade in variety, image, and quality, joining the screwcap as a once-controversial technical innovation that's now widely appreciated for its worth. The bag-in-a-box format is smart for fresh young wines, an

Boxed wines have come a long way over the last decade in variety, image, and quality, joining the screwcap as a once-controversial technical innovation that's now widely appreciated for its worth. The bag-in-a-box format is smart for fresh young wines, and the air-tight bag's prevention of oxygen damage maintains freshness for weeks after opening. It's also the most cost-effective and earth-friendly way to bring three liters of vino (that's four bottles) to a party.

Choosing the right one, though, is tricky, as many boxed wines are still plonkers. One bright exception is this Picpoul de Pinet from La Petite Frog, which is perfect for a summer picnic.

One of my favorite bistro wines from Languedoc in the South of France, Picpoul is quenchingly dry, with green notes of apple, citrus, and herbs. It pairs well with light foods (such as shellfish). At the equivalent of $7 a bottle, it's hard to find a better-quality value I'd want to drink.

La Petite Frog 2014 Picpoul de Pinet 3 liter box, $27.99 (code 47641)