Summer’s here and we’re enjoying every minute of sunshine and long, leisurely evenings outdoors. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply relaxing on your patio, Sangria makes a perfect sipper on those sizzling hot evenings. Originally from Spain and Portugal, the very name suggests summer, with its bright colours and fruity flavours.
I lived in Madrid for a couple of years and a friend passed on her recipe for Sangria. There are several variations, but she told me that when the temperatures soar, Spaniards like to keep it simple.
RED SANGRIA
1 bottle (750 ml.) of red wine. A medium-bodied, fruit forward red wine works best, such as Beaujolais.
1 cup soda water
1 peach, sliced
Orange slices and a handful of berries, such as cherries, blueberries, or strawberries
Ice cubes
That’s it!
I made it using Moillard Beaujolais Les Malvaux and loved the results. Another suitable wine is Red House Cab Merlot, when you want to make Sangria with a Canadian wine base.
These wines work well in this recipe because of their essentially fruity flavours and their lighter body and texture, which suit the refreshing nature of Sangria. The Beaujolais shows delicious strawberry, raspberry and vanilla notes with excellent acidity. Sangria is a great drink for sipping, along with salty nuts and prosciutto for appetizers and it makes a delicious low-alcohol option, too. Beaujolais on its own also pairs well with ham or salmon. It’s a versatile wine that is a real crowd-pleaser and offers excellent value. The Cab Merlot gives fragrant aromas and flavours of blackcurrant and vanilla. It’s also a great match for grilled pork chops. Try making Sangria with each of these and decide which wine you prefer.
MOILLARD BEAUJOLAIS LES MALVAUX 2023
Burgundy, France
Dry • 13% • LCBO# 37208 • $15.70
RED HOUSE WINE CO. CABERNET MERLOT 2023
Ontario VQA
Dry • 13% • LCBO# 20938 • $13.95
For white wine lovers, here’s a refreshing variation on the usual red Sangria:
WHITE SANGRIA
1 bottle (750 ml.) of white wine. A dry, fruity white such as Pinot Grigio works well. A favourite is Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio. It shows lovely floral, citrus and mineral flavours, with brisk acidity.
1 cup soda water
½ cup green grapes
½ cup blueberries or cherries or ½ cup of sliced lemon and lime
Ice cubes
Mint leaves for garnish
Chill your glasses in the fridge for an hour before serving. Served in a pretty pitcher, this makes a delightful aperitif at brunch or on a sultry evening. This white Sangria is perfect on a hot day, served with dessert. Lumina Pinot Grigio also pairs well with white fish or a pasta primavera.
RUFFINO PINOT GRIGIO 2023
Veneto, Italy
Dry • 12.5% • LCBO# 589101 • $15.95
Happy sipping!
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
Header image: nschatzi, iStock
