Sangria = Adult Punch

Sangria (Noun) An iced drink, typically made with red wine, sugar, fruit juice, soda water, and spices, and containing fruit slices.

Sounds like, Sang-Gree-Uh.

Ever wonder where that sweet fruity aromatized WINE drink derived from?

Sangria originated in Spain & Portugal. Under European (EU) regulations only Spain & Portugal nations can label their product as Sangria; similar products from different regions are differentiated in name.

The name, Sangria in Spanish & Portuguese translates to, Bloodletting.

Sangria traces back to the 18th century. While it grew it popular in the United States around 1964 in New York at a World Fair.

Traditionally, Sangria is mixed with fresh fruits such as apples, peaches, nectarines, berries and pears. The most common Sangria is the Rojo (Red) Sangria which commonly is mixed with Rioja wine from Spain. Tempranillo is also a great red wine to use!

If you’re not quite into red wine, you can also select a Blanca (White) Sangria which is commonly mixed with Rueda or Jumilla. Both are delicious; however, I prefer a Cava which is a sparkling wine from Spain.

I branched out and tried a new Blanca Sangria that was mixed with a Chardonnay from Monterey County, CA. A simple inexpensive bottle of Concannon with crisp flavors of citrus, gooseberries, and pineapple was delicious! Accompanied with Brandy, Triple Sec, OJ, and Lemon Juice topped with freshly diced marinated fruit created high acidity and was refreshing to the palate. I absolutely loved it! It was the perfect palate pleasing combination.

So next time you decide to order a Sangria now you’ll have a little background and knowledge as to how to order one and be able to decide what is right for you.

Cheers!

Shannon (Lulu's Wine Gal)

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