Fruity Red Wine Sangria

Fruity Red Wine Sangria, to me, is a party in a glass. Fruity, sweet, and festive, this libation is a refreshing cocktail on a hot summer day. It’s great for a little day-drinking on the beach.

Sangria is a Spanish wine punch resplendent with fruits, juices, and sugar. While the origin of sangria is unclear, it is rumored to have first been served in the US at the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens, NY at the Spanish pavilion.

Wine Sangrias are endlessly versatile. White wine or red wine. Vodka, brandy, or rum. Grand Marnier, Peach Schnapps, or fruit juice. The possibilities are endless.

This fruity red wine sangria is as delicious with a spicy enchilada as it is with a gorgeous, grilled steak. I like to make the sangria a few hours in advance, leaving out the can of soda until just before serving. This allows the fruit to absorb the flavor of the wine and brandy or rum. I like adding the soda before serving to preserve that yummy fizz.

The biggest challenge, if you could call it a challenge, is what type of wine to use. A good rule of thumb for any wine, whether you use it for sangria or to cook with, is to choose a wine that you would be happy drinking.

You don’t need the most expensive bottle of wine for sangria. However, you also don’t want to use a bottle of that syrupy, strawberry wine that you sucked down in 10th grade either. A good bottle of wine around $10 – $15 should do the trick.

What Kind Of Red Wine Should I Use?

When choosing a red wine for this fruity red wine sangria, look for a red that is low in tannins.Tannins tend to have an odd, off-putting taste when chilled. They taste very astringent, almost chalky. Not something you want in your sangria. Also, pick a wine that is lower in acidity. You want a balanced sangria. An acidic wine with acidic fruits would be a bit much.

Pairing your wine and fruits together will maximize the flavor and balance of your sangria. Try to use fruits that are in season – apples, pears, oranges in the winter months and berries, melons, cherries in the summer.

• Spanish Garnache or Grenache wine, with its note of ripe cherries pairs very well with oranges, cherries, blackberries or pomegranate.
• Spanish Tempranillo Jovan is a young, balanced red that is not too sweet and is lusciously fruit forward. Be sure to pick one marked ‘Jovan’, which means that it is young and not aged in oak barrels. You don’t want to use an oaky wine. Tempranillo Jovan is delicious with cherries, plums, or raspberries.
• An Argentina Malbec is a light and fruity wine that supports citrus, melon, and berries. This is one of my favorites and makes for an especially refreshing and light sangria.
• Spanish Rioja is a medium to full-bodied red that goes well with strawberries, raspberries, or cherries.
• A lesser known wine, Beaujolais Nouveau, is a rich red with very low tannins, but higher acidity. For a winter sangria, pair this wine with cranberries, tart cherries, apples, or pear. Try using a spiced rum and a cinnamon stick to bring out the spicier notes in the wine.

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Try your fruity red wine sangria with my recipe for Truckstop Enchiladas, or Chicken, Shrimp, & Chorizo Paella. Looking or a great appetizer instead? How about a few Extra Flavorful Jalapeno Poppers.

I hope you enjoy this sangria recipe. Contact me and let me know your thoughts.