Radio Boka - Rocks the Box
We’re wrapping up the House Wine segment for the season and I wanted to go out with something fun, unexpected and totally summer ready. Enter: Radio Boka Tempranillo, a smooth, spicy Spanish red that comes in a 3-litre box, and yes, it’s way better than you might think.
We’ve been living in rosé and white wine territory for weeks now, so it felt like the right time to bring a juicy, versatile red into the mix. This one checks all the boxes for Stampede parties, picnics, and camping trips around the corner!
A New Era for Box Wine
Let’s get this out of the way: box wine has changed. When we started this radio column back in 2006, boxed wine was… well, not good. Fast forward nearly 20 years, and there are real, quality-focused producers putting solid juice into these eco-friendly packages.
Box wine now has serious perks:
Freshness: stays good for up to 6 weeks after opening.
Sustainability: ~84% lower carbon footprint than bottled wine.
Affordability: 3 litres (the equivalent of 4 bottles) for around $40 = $10/bottle.
If you’re still skeptical, just think about how far screw caps have come.
The Wine: Radio Boka Tempranillo
This easygoing red is made from 100% Tempranillo, Spain’s flagship grape, grown on 15–25-year-old vines in Castilla-La Mancha. Set on a high, sun-soaked plateau, this is Spain’s largest wine region and the ideal spot for ripening grapes while keeping their freshness intact.
Tasting notes
Colour: ruby red with a touch of garnet
Nose: red cherry, currant, plum, and a whiff of cinnamon
Palate: medium-bodied, soft tannins, spicy red fruit, and a hint of leather and tobacco on the finish
A portion of the wine (15%) is aged in French oak for extra depth.
It's juicy, smooth and super food-friendly. Try it with burgers, grilled sausages or anything smoky from the barbecue. If Sangria’s on the menu, this box is your new best friend - there’s even a QR code on the side that links to a summer playlist.
Easy to Pour, Easy to Love
If you’ve never opened box wine before, don’t worry - the packaging has clear instructions and the spout is surprisingly user friendly once you find it. Just pull it through the perforated hole, remove the red tab and pour.
Prefer bottles? You can find Radio Boka in a standard 750 mL format too but the box is the better deal and ideal for summer entertaining.
So whether you're lounging at home or headed to the lake, this bold, no fuss Spanish red is ready to go wherever the season takes you.
Want to hear more?
Catch the full conversation from my CBC Radio column - House Wine on the Homestretch.