***SANGRIA SO NICE***

I dropped by Campo Viejo on my recent tour of Rioja. I liked it, cuz they treated me like a star. Therefore, I’ve posted some star-themed recipes for Sangria. REAL stars, that is.

Originally created in Rioja, the light and fruit-forward classic Rioja Tempranillo, Campo Viejo Crianza (srp $9.99) is a great wine for authentic Sangria. If you’re celebrating summer’s white nights, try the floral Griffigna Pinot Grigio (srp $12) for Sangria Blanca.  To enrich the flavors be sure to chill the Sangria overnight.  The next day, pour the Sangria into a pitcher full of ice cubes, garnish with fresh fruit and enjoy. Make sure you have a pitcher, wooden spoon, large wine glasses, lots of ice and seasonal fresh fruits on hand: 
 
Suggested Recipes:
 

Catherine Sangria Jones (serves 2 pitchers)
 
2 Granny Smith Apples
3 Large Valencia Oranges or 1 Quart Orange Juice
2 Peaches
2 Plums
1 Small Bunch Seedless Grapes
1 Tahitian Lime
1 Lemon
6 Teaspoons Sugar
1 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 Kaffir Lime Leaves
2 bottles Campo Viejo Crianza 2005
1/4 Cup Triple Sec or Cointreau, added to taste
Peach schnapps, added to taste
 
Steps:
Juice oranges, lime and lemon; add sugar and nutmeg.
Cube apples, peaches, plums and slice grapes.
Pour in bottles of Campo Viejo Crianza into a pitcher.
Add the juice/spice/fruit mixture and stir. Add triple Sec and peach schnapps to taste.  Add the Kaffir lime leaves that have been de-veined and gently crushed. 
Chill for at least 24 hours.
Serve chilled over ice and garnish with an orange twist.
 


Sangria Loren (serves 1 pitcher):
 
1 bottle of Campo Viejo Crianza 2005 (srp $9.99)
1/4 Cup Triple Sec 
1/4 Cup of Sugar 
1 Sweet White Peach Cubed
1 Orange Cubed
1 Apple Cubed
2 Cans Italian Orange Soda
1 Tray Ice Cubes
1 Bunch of Rosemary Stalks or Orange Twists
 
Steps:
1.    Pour the bottle of Campo Viejo Crianza and triple sec into a ceramic pitcher.
2.    Stir in the sugar with the wooden spoon.
3.    Add fruit and stir. Chill over night.
4.    Add sodas, ice cubes and orange slices the next day 15 minutes prior to serving.
5.    Garnish with a rosemary stalk or an orange twist!
 


Sangria Jolie (serves 1 pitcher):
 
1 bottle Campo Viejo Crianza 2005 (srp $9.99)
1/4 Cup Triple Sec
1 Tsp Brown Sugar
1 Bunch Fresh Basil
Juice of 2 Fresh Squeezed Oranges
Juice of 2 Fresh Squeezed Lemons
Juice of 2 Fresh Squeezed Limes
6 Sliced Cherries
2 Cans of Ginger Ale
1 Orange Sliced
1 Tray Ice Cubes
 
Steps:
1.    Muddle basil, sugar and triple sec in a pitcher. 
2.    Add the bottle of Campo Viejo Reserva and triple sec.
3.    Stir in juices and brown sugar with the wooden spoon.
4.    Add cherries and stir.  Chill over night. Add ginger ale, ice cubes and fresh fruit slices the next day 15 minutes prior to serving.
 


Sangria Hayek (serves 1 pitcher):
 
1 bottle of Graffigna Pinot Grigio ($12.99)
1/4 Cup Tezon Tequila
1/2 Cup of Sugar
1 Cup of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
2 Oranges Cubed
2 Apples Cubed
6 Cinnamon Sticks
Crushed Ice
Mint Leaves
1 Can Sparkling Water
 
Steps:
1.    Pour the bottle of Graffigna Pinot Grigio and Tezon Tequila into a ceramic pitcher.
2.    Stir in the sugar and juice.  
3.    Add fruit and cinnamon sticks and stir again.  Chill over night.
4.    Add the soda, ice cubes and fresh mint leaves the next day 15 minutes prior to serving.
 

Background:
Sangria officially arrived in the US for the first time at the 1964 World's Fair in New York. The Spanish World area served this fruity wine punch to its visitors, and history was made! The perfect pour for those hot summer nights and lazy weekend afternoons, Sangria was an instant palate pleaser.
 
Recipes typically mix wine, brandy, lemon or orange soda and fresh fruits, served over ice. It's one of the most individualistic drinks on the market. Don't even think of buying a mix at the store - have fun and create your own! Take your favorite red wine, your favorite fruits and make your own signature Sangria.