Ideal cheap wines for perfect sangria

Sangria is a refreshing, wine-based cocktail which is hugely popular in summer, and is synonymous of fun, parties and getting together with friends. The classical recipe includes wine, fruit and a liqueur, but there are many variations. Wine for sangria, regardless of the chosen version, can be cheap and provide us with flavour, freshness and personality without harming our pocket. Let's see how!

The best red wine for sangria

The base ingredient for sangria is red wine. Young, fruity reds are ideal for this version, since they confer freshness and do not overpower the taste of the fruit. If you are wondering which wine is best for sangria, we have the answer for you!

Among the most recommended wines are young Rioja or D.O. Navarra, wines since they are mild on the palate and are slightly fruity. Young D.O. Jumilla wine also works well, or Utiel-Requena wine, whose acidity balances out the natural sweetness of the fruit and the sugar added to sangria.

Sangria with white wine: a refreshing alternative

White sangria is a light, fresh, easy-to-make option for people who prefer a more delicate flavour. The key is choosing fruity white wine with a good acidity level to enhance the freshness of the fruit.

Among the white wines that are good value for money, the following particularly stand out:

• Young D.O. Rueda wines. The Verdejo grapes confer citrus and herbal notes that combine well with apple, pineapple or melon.
• Young Albariño or Godello wines, which are aromatic and elegant.

Sangria with sparkling white wine is also very refreshing. Using a young brut cava that confers freshness, balanced acidity and fine bubbles such as Marqués de Monte Meru is a good choice. Other light sparkling wines also work well, such as the Italian Prosecco, and even some semi-dry, sparkling wines for sweeter sangria. When preparing it, it is best to add the sparkling wine just before serving the sangria in order to keep the bubbles.

Regardless of the wine you choose, the proportion of fruit and wine should always be balanced. Too much fruit can overpower the taste of the wine, and vice versa. White sangria makes a pleasant drink for light lunches, hot days, brunches, or as a refreshing evening drink. Its freshness lends itself to using aromatic herbs such as peppermint, or a touch of grated ginger, and also citrus fruits, such as lemon.

The best rosé wine for sangria: which one to choose?

Sangria made with rosé wine is an intermediate variation, slightly more modern. It is elegant on the palate, and slightly fruity. Its colour makes it visually appetising and fun for summer photographs while toasting with friends.

The following are a few tips to help you choose a cheap, rosé wine:

• Avoid rosé wines that are too dry or ‘woody’, as they can lose their freshness when mixed with fruit and soft drinks.
• Look for young, fruity rosé wines, with hints of strawberries, raspberries or forest fruits.
• D.O. Navarra, Cigales, Somontano or Catalonia options make excellent wines for this type of sangria.

Furthermore, rosé wines are particularly versatile for combining with tropical fruits. Rosado Pálido Tierra de Castilla Abadía Mercier wine is a good cheap option, that opens up many possibilities.

What to serve with sangria: ideal meals and snacks

You don’t need to strain your brain to enjoy a nice cold glass of sangria. Sometimes, the very fruit you use in the sangria recipe can be the inspiration for your choice of snacks and tapas to pair with it, without going over the top.

Some simple ideas are as follows:

• Traditional tapas: olives, Manchego cheese, cured Iberian ham, cold meats and delicatessen products, which all confer an interesting savoury contrast. Classic dishes such as battered calamari, potato salad, croquettes or “patatas bravas” work well.
• Fruit and salad such as kebabs with melon and cured ham, or salad with fresh fruit.
• Paella rice or pasta dishes.
• Light snacks: nuts or crackers.

All told, the key is to keep the balance: flavours that pair well with the sweetness and acidity of the sangria, without overpowering it. So, which one would you like to try today?