A Box Wine I Can Like

Amy Ezrin, founder of Giovese Family Wines

by Andrew Chalk

Box wine is huge in Australia. It is taking off here. But I have had a hard time finding examples that I would describe as good. This is not snobbery. I fully concede that box versus bottle is purely a question of the type of container. That isn't the general opinion. Box wine has a reputation as "low-quality wine". I would defend it, and suggest that the way to end the anti-box snobbery for good would be to package the world's premiere wines in box, as well as bottle. Imagine Harlen, Latour, Grange Hermitage, and every Grand Cru from Alsace available in a 3-litre box!

This would also be very 'green', in two ways. First, the green qualifications of box wine packaging. Second, it would silence all the blather about lighter bottles (which break easily).

Recently, I was sent some samples from an Italian wine maker who is as determined to change the reputation as I am. Amy Ezrin is putting her carefully made quality wines in 3-litre boxes (the equivalent of four of those old bottle-things). I tasted the Bianco and can recommend it. Each wine is crafted from organically farmed Italian grapes, sourced from the sustainability-driven, family-owned Conti degli Azzoni estate in Italy’s Le Marche region.  Each box offers three liters of wine, equal to four bottles, which brings the per-bottle cost to under $10. Plus, these wines stay fresh for a month!

FROM THE WIRES...

SANDY GIOVESE VINO ROSSO

First Born. Natural leader. Sophisticated.

Like most first borns, Sandy has main character energy. She sets the standard for what boxed wine can be while knowing how to have a good time. A lighter-bodied and lower-ABV wine, Sandy is bright, juicy, and bursting with red fruit. Perfect to drink chilled, you can open and store her in the fridge (up to a month!) to enjoy during summer. Made from organically farmed grapes, the Sangiovese (85%) is blended with a healthy percentage of Trebbiano (15%), a native Italian white grape, to ensure she is light on her feet and smooth on the finish.

ABV 12% | SRP $34.99

ROSIE GIOVESE VINO ROSATO

Second Eldest Sister. Charming. Chatty.

The ultimate conversation starter, Rosie aims to please and is perfect for any occasion, including picnics, beach days, and good old-fashioned gatherings. A bone-dry fruity rosé bursting with flavors of ripe strawberry and nectarine skin, ending with a delightfully crisp finish. Rosie is made from chemical-free, organically farmed, native Italian grapes, such as Sangiovese (60%), Merlot (30%) and Lacrima (10%).

ABV 12.5% | SRP $34.99

BIANCA GIOVESE VINO BIANCO

Little Sister. Stylish. Free Spirit.

A wild and free spirit, Bianca brings a refreshing new take on what a boxed white wine can be. Made from chemical-free, organically farmed Italian grapes, including Grechetto (50%) and Trebbiano (35%) blended with Sauvignon Blanc (15%) for a burst of freshness and acidity. Bone-dry yet juicy, Bianca features flavors of fresh florals, succulent peach and tangy lime.

ABV 12% | SRP $34.99

MORE ABOUT GIOVESE FAMILY WINES

Launched in 2021, Giovese Family Wines is the creation of Amy Ezrin, an accomplished entrepreneur, Italian wine expert, and importer. Amy partnered with the reputable vineyards Conti degli Azzoni, a sustainability-focused, family-owned winery pursuing B-Corp certification in the Le Marche region of Italy. The name of the flagship wine, Sandy Giovese Vino Rosso, is a playful reference to her alter ego, as well as the Italian native grape that comprises the liquid. Sister brand, Rosie Giovese Vino Rosato launched in 2022 is a crisp, dry Italian rosé wine that brings the same great taste, longevity, and value to the rosé category. Newest to the portfolio, launched in 2024, is Bianca Giovese Vino Bianco – a juicy, fresh, and crisp blend of Grechetto, Trebbiano, and Sauvignon Blanc. Sandy Giovese and her sisters are setting the standard of what “boxed wine” can be – stylish, playful, juicy, and above all, delicious. Plus, they are perfect with a chill and once opened can be stored for up to a month or more in the fridge for lasting enjoyment! Find all three in a wine shop near you or buy the full set of sisters online at https://www.sandygiovese.com/shop-wines.

Sample.