The story behind I Am
I Am comes out of the Recas wine region in western Romania, made by Cramele Recas, the winery group Philip Cox and his partners founded in 1998. The vineyards around Recas are far older than the company that bottles them. Grapes are picked at night or in the early morning, when the fruit is cool, then fermented in temperature controlled steel tanks to keep the acidity bright and the flavors clean.
That is the whole idea behind I Am: single variety European grapes, handled gently, sold at a price that lets you pour a second glass without thinking about it. Wine Enthusiast has scored several expressions in the 84 to 86 point range and called them clean, fruit forward everyday values. We have watched plenty of boxed wine come and go. This one earns its shelf space.
Explore the I Am range
The 3 liter box holds four standard bottles, and the vacuum sealed spout keeps what is left fresh for up to six weeks.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Am Cabernet Sauvignon 3L | Red, bag in box | 13.5% ABV | Dark fruit, firm tannin, grilled beef and lamb |
| I Am Pinot Noir 3L | Red, bag in box | 12.5% ABV | Light red cherry, soft earth, roasted mushrooms |
| I Am Chardonnay 3L | White, bag in box | 13.0% ABV | Ripe apple, soft oak, grilled poultry |
| I Am Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Red, glass bottle | 13.5% ABV | Same wine, single bottle format |
| I Am Scotch Red Blend 750mL | Red blend, glass bottle | Not stated on label | Rounder red blend, hearty pasta and stew |
| I Am Pinot Grigio 3L | White, bag in box | 12.0% ABV | Crisp pear, citrus, chilled with seafood |
Which I Am is right for you?
Boxed wine lives or dies on value, and I Am keeps the math honest. The 3 liter Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir each run $13.99, which works out to roughly $3.50 per bottle equivalent, and the wine inside holds for up to six weeks after you open the spout. The 750mL Cabernet is $9.99 when we have it, and the Scotch Red Blend bottle is $19.99. Stock moves quickly on the boxes, so call the store at (631) 343-7200 before you drive over.
A splash for the pan, a glass for the cook, no waste.
Chilled, crowd friendly, pours all evening without opening bottles.
Soft and food friendly, holds six weeks in the box.
I Am cocktails and pairings
Serve the whites well chilled, around 45 to 50 degrees, and the reds a touch below room temperature. Keep it simple.