Why wine in a box is cool again – and three of the best to try

Let's face it, times are tough. We're all looking for value and a large-format wine you can pop in the fridge or cupboard and dip into as the mood demands has real appeal.

In Scandinavia (particularly Sweden), Bag-in-Box (BiB) is a popular retail category. Here, we usually associate boxed wine bladders with Goon of Fortune games.

But there's plenty to love about wine in a box – if you choose wisely. These three are worth seeking out.

Koerner Brothers in a Box 2022 Clare Valley Riesling, SA, $45

Brothers Damon and Jono Koerner won the national 2019 Young Gun of Wine Awards for their creative approach to wine. Their latest foray (Brothers in a Box) bangs Damon's creations in a 1.5 litre cask. The riesling has all the beautiful lemon/lime-packed precision one can expect from this star winemaker. A devilish 666 boxes made. 10.5 per cent alcohol.

Find it at koernerwine.com.au

Pandolfa Federico Sangiovese Cask 2019, Italy, from $37

Want a slurpy, chirpy, fail-safe boxed red? Go large (three litres) and Italian with this respected producer from Emilia-Romagna. The aromatic red begs for a heaving bowl of pasta or a table piled with pizza. Perfect for play dates with mates and great bang for your buck. 12.5 per cent alcohol.

Find it at Mercato (mercato.com.au) or blackheartsandsparrows.com.au

Delinquente and The Chats Goon, SA/NSW, $35

When irreverent Australian band The Chats collaborated with Delinquente winemaker Con-Greg Grigoriou, the packaging had to be cask wine. The 1.5 litre box is a piece of art in its own right. The artwork (by Campbell Walker – aka Struthless) features pelicans playing Goon of Fortune. The white blend (cloudy orange on the eye) is an aromatic, bone dry barbecue banger. It also pairs well with a schnitty. 11 per cent alcohol.

Find it at builttospill.wine