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Wine Facts | Updated June 29, 2005
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By Amy Christine Lee
Certainly most of us have heard stories of great wine fauxpas. For example, a group of diners last year in Shanghai ordered several bottles of vintage Chateau Petrus (worth several thousand dollars) and proceeded to add slices of fruit, sprite, and ice to their glasses to the horror of wine lovers sitting nearby. While a Grand Cru like Lafite might not be the most appropriate selection for such a mixture, there are times when it is not only acceptable to mix it up - but hip, trendy, and most refreshing! Wine cocktails can serve as fun and festive alternatives to simply uncorking a bottle and are great on hot summer days.
One of the most famous (and easy!) concoctions to throw together is actually very similar to the mixture described earlier - Sangria and Sangria Blanco. Sangria, a traditional Spanish drink, is a sort of fruit punch made with either white wine or red wine. Traditionally, Sangria is a mixture of wine, sliced fruit, a bit of sugar, and Brandy - all mixed together and served over ice. The Spanish generally make their Sangria with a Tempranillo based wine - however, any wine will work.
The fun thing about Sangria is you can make it according to your own individual tastes and preferences. My favorite is using a Red Zinfandel wine for the base, adding a couple of cinnamon sticks, some cranberries, apples, oranges, and strawberries, a quarter cup of brandy and one can of club soda ¨C mixed in a big pitcher and chilled. (It is best to let the mixture sit over night in the refrigerator, then add ice and stir prior to serving.)
For a fun summertime twist with white wine, try starting with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Toss in tropical fruits such as sliced mango, banana, and pineapple, or tree fruits like peaches, apples, and pears. You might try mixing in a quarter cup of peach flavored brandy for a little extra zip. Stir in a can of club soda for a kick of effervescence, and you have a fun fruity drink perfect for the hot, dry days of summer!
Use wine that you enjoy for the base - Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Champagne - anything goes. Even a very inexpensive boxed wine can work well in Sangria - especially if you are preparing drinks for a large group of people. If you always lean towards Chardonnays when drinking wine, go for a Chardonnay based Sangria. The bottom line is to have fun with it. Sangria parties are always good fun and an excellent way to express yourself in your creation!
Amy's Suggested Wines for Sangria:
- Cook's Brut Champagne (California Sparkling Wine)Available in mini (187ml) and regular 750ml bottles
- Almaden Chablis or Burgundy -- available in a 5000ml box (California)
- Ravenswood Zinfandel Vintner's Blend (California)
- Montrose Dry Imported Red or Montrose Dry Imported White (Spain)
- Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
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