What wines to use for sangria?

La sangria, one of Spain's most iconic drinks, is appreciated all over the world for its fresh and fruity taste. However, to achieve the perfect sangria, choosing the right wine is essential.

In this article we will explore which ones are the best wines to use for sangria, offering practical tips for creating an authentic and delicious version.

What is sangria?

Sangria is a wine-based drink, enriched with fruit, sugar, spices (such as cinnamon), and often with an addition of liqueurs such as brandy or triple sec. Although the recipe may vary from region to region and person to person, the choice of wine is critical to the final result.

Red wine for traditional sangria

Traditional sangria ss typically prepared with the Red wine, which serves as the base for this drink. However, not all Red wines are equal: some lend themselves better to the preparation of sangria than others.

Which ditch wine to choose?

• Tempranillo: This Spanish wine is the king of sangria. Because of its fruity flavor with notes of cherry, plum and light spices, it pairs perfectly with fresh fruit. Tempranillo is a full-bodied wine, but not too complex, making it ideal for a sangria that maintains the balance between wine and fruit.

• Garnacha (Grenache): Another Spanish wine often used for sangria. The **Garnacha** is a medium-light wine known for its strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors. It is perfect for those who want a sangria with a milder, lighter taste without sacrificing the fruity flavor.

• Merlot: If you prefer a more approachable and common wine, Merlot is a good choice. It is smooth and has moderate tannins, with flavors of ripe red fruits such as cherries and plums, perfect for enhancing with fresh fruit.

• Zinfandel: a less traditional but still excellent option is Zinfandel, which offers an intense fruit profile, with notes of blackberry and spice. Ideal for those who want a more robust sangria with a deeper flavor.

What to avoid.

It is advisable to avoid wines that are too tannic or aged, such as the Cabernet Sauvignon o Red wines very complex, which might overpower the taste of the fruit or make the drink too heavy. Sangria is a drink that should be fresh, easy to drink, and with a balanced wine base.

White wine for white sangria

In addition to the classic version, in recent years white sangria (or sangria de cava, in case a sparkling wine is used) has gained popularity. The white version is light and perfect for summer days, with fresh, citrusy flavors.

Which white wine to choose?

• Sauvignon Blanc: One of the best white wines for sangria is the Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is light, with good acidity and notes of citrus, cut grass and tropical fruit. It pairs beautifully with the fresh fruit typically used in white sangria, such as lemons, oranges and peaches.

• Verdejo: A very popular Spanish wine, perfect for maintaining the Iberian tradition in sangria. The **Verdejo** has a fresh flavor, with hints of tropical fruit and citrus, which go well with the additions of fresh fruit and spices.

• Chardonnay (non-barrelled): if you prefer a fuller-bodied white wine, Chardonnay is a good choice, but it is best to opt for a non-barrelled version. This will allow you to enjoy its apple, pear and citrus notes without the heavy notes of wood, which could weigh down the drink.

Avoid wines that are too complex

For white sangria, avoid very aromatic or sweet white wines, such as the Moscato or the Gewürztraminer, which might overpower the fresh taste of the fruit.

Rosè wine for an original sangria

If you want an original variation of sangria, you can also use wine Rosè. This type of wine combines the freshness of white with the light fruity undertones of red, making it perfect for a summer sangria.

Which wine Rosè to choose?

• Rosè by Garnacha: is light, fresh and with a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness. Its notes of red fruits such as strawberry and cherry blend perfectly with the fruit used in the sangria.

• Pinot Grigio Rosè: a lighter and fresher option, ideal if you want a more delicate rosé sangria. The Pinot Grigio Rosè has a citrusy, floral flavor, making it perfect for a sangria with light fruit and a touch of lemon or mint.

Final tips for making the perfect sangria

• Choose fresh, seasonal fruit: Fruit is the key element of sangria, so it is important to use fresh, ripe ingredients. Classic options include oranges, lemons, apples and peaches.

• Let it sit: Once the sangria is prepared, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This allows the wine and fruit to blend, creating a rich, balanced flavor.

• Do not overdo the sugar: Many sangria recipes call for sugar, but be careful not to overdo it. The fruit will add natural sweetness, so adjust according to your taste.

Conclusion

The choice of wine for sangria depends on the type of drink you want to make. If you prefer a traditional version, opt for Red wines fruity ones such as Tempranillo or Garnacha. For a lighter variant, white wines such as the Sauvignon Blanc or Verdejo are perfect.

Finally, if you want something original, the wine Rosè will allow you to create a fresh and original sangria. Experiment with wine and fruit varieties to find the combination you like best, and remember: sangria is a convivial drink, perfect for sharing moments of celebration and relaxation.