ABV: 12.5%

IBU: 0

As an avid wine drinker, I’ve sampled the gamut of varietals – from French Burgundy to Argentinian Torrontes – but am always seeking out a truly special wine experience. I’ve come very close in the past with some choice picks, such as the slightly jammy Meiomi Pinot Noir from California I sampled a few weeks ago. However, nothing could have prepared me for this gem of a find that had been hidden in plain sight for all of these years.

The box is humble, yet strangely inviting, emblazoned with the image of a goblet being filled to the brim with a liquid reminiscent of molten watermelon Jolly Ranchers. The picture itself makes your tastebuds yearn to sample the semi-dry blush pink elixir, which promises something both refreshing and refined.

Though the varietal was relatively unknown to me before, the prospect of a White Merlot was intriguing. My deepest thanks go out to the vintners at Franzia who melded the best of both worlds of red and white wine together in this Smart Tap, 5 liter bag-in-a-box wine.

The light pink hue promised on the exterior of the box does not disappoint when poured into the glass. What this varietal lacks in legs, it more than enough makes up for in flavor. The wine opens with a bouquet of spring flowers and finishes with a distinctly Welchian fruitiness and a hint of Rockin’ Raspberry Bubble Yum. Beyond flavor, crisp and refreshing are the two descriptors that are beyond fitting. The refined taste makes this wine very versatile, as it would be perfect for casual patio drinking on a hot summer day or to accompany spicy Asian fare.

If you are looking for a sublime wine for any occasion, look no further than Franzia Vintner Select White Merlot. The 5 Liter box is the perfect size (all wine should come in this volume!) and the Smart Tap spout discards any frustrations normally experienced with pesky corks and corkscrews. Franzia is “America’s Most Popular Wine” for a reason: it is quite simply the best.