Sangria is a refreshing fruit and wine punch originally made in Spain centuries ago with red wine, typically Rioja (Tempranillo grape). The name comes from the Spanish word for blood, sangre, in reference to its dark red colour. In Victorian times the Claret Cup became a fashionable wine punch in the UK similar to Sangria made with a Claret base (British name for Bordeaux wine) and interesting garnish of Borage or cucumber.
After being served at the 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair in the Pavilion of Spain, Sangria gained great popularity in North America. Today Sangria is made in many places with red or white wine, and any number of creative ingredients. Consumed in Spain year-round, it is not only a good thirst-quencher in the summer, but can also make for a festive drink during the winter months. After all, December 20th is National Sangria Day!
Ontario, Canada has a fair amount of recipe ideas for making Sangria using local wine and produce, a brief assemblage:
Mastronardi SangriaMastronardi Sangria
Featherstone Winery Summer Sangria, base: Featherstone Gemstone red wine
Mastronardi Estate Winery Mastronardi Sangria, base: red wine
Norfolk Farms Party Time Sangria, base: Villa Nova Norfolk Red
Colio Estate Wines Girls' Night Out Instant Sangria, base: Merlot/Chardonnay
Foodland Ontario White Sangria with Nectarines and Coronation Grapes, base: Ontario Pinot Grigio or other dry white wine
Ontario Tender Fruit Ontario Peach Sangria, base: Ontario white wine, lemonade or iced tea, garnish: basil
President’s Choice White Sangria, base: white wine or Prosecco, mixer: PC Black Label Sangria Cocktail
Magnotta Sangria Alegria, base: red or white
Happy summer, Cheers!
