Sangria is a popular Spanish punch that is typically made by mixing red wine with fruit, juice, herbs, spices, and a sweetener like sugar. Two of the most common types of red wine used in sangria recipes are Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
Opening Summary
Both Cabernet and Pinot can make excellent sangria, but they result in different styles of sangria due to their distinct flavors and characteristics. Cabernet tends to make a robust, fruity sangria with intense berry and oak flavors. Pinot makes a lighter, brighter, more delicate sangria highlighting the fresh fruit flavors. The best wine for your sangria depends on the specific fruits, flavors, and style you want.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wine grapes in the world. It is known for its full body, firm tannins, and rich black currant, cedar, tobacco, and dark cherry flavors. Here are some of the key points when using Cabernet in sangria:
- Cabernet’s bold, intense flavors stand up well to other sangria ingredients.
- Its fruity profile pairs beautifully with berries, citrus, peaches, apples, pears, and other fruits commonly used in sangrias.
- Its oak and tannic structure adds welcome complexity.
- Cabernet sangrias have a deep ruby red color.
- Cabernet’s high alcohol level (typically 13.5-14.5%) provides a punchy sangria.
Some of the downsides of using Cabernet in sangria include:
- Can overpower more delicate fruits and flavors.
- Higher tannins can occasionally create a slight bitterness, especially if using cheaper/lower quality Cabernets.
- Sometimes its robust flavor profile clashes with lighter, fresher sangria recipes.
Ideal Fruits and Ingredients for Cabernet Sangria
When making a Cabernet sangria, fruits and ingredients that complement or contrast with Cabernet’s flavors work best. Consider using:
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Plums
- Oranges
- Apples
- Pears
- Peaches
- Lemons
- Limes
- Pomegranates
- Grapes
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Brandy
- Triple sec
Avoid using very delicate fruits like kiwi or melon in Cabernet sangria as they can get overpowered. Herbal flavors like basil and mint also tend to clash.
Cabernet Sangria Recipe
Here is a classic Cabernet sangria recipe highlighting the black currant flavors:
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1⁄4 cup brandy
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp allspice berries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda
- Ice
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine Cabernet, blackberries, lemon slices, orange slices, brandy, sugar, allspice berries and cinnamon sticks. Let sit for 1-2 hours.
- Before serving, add lemon-lime soda and stir to combine.
- Serve sangria over ice.
- Garnish glasses with orange slices.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied, low tannin red wine known for its ripe cherry, raspberry, earthy, and herbal flavors. Its flavor profile makes it suitable for sangria in the following ways:
- Pinot’s delicate, fruit-forward flavors let the fresh fruits shine.
- Its medium alcohol level (typically 12-13.5%) provides enough punch without overwhelming.
- Pinot’s bright acidity lifts and highlights citrus flavors.
- The earthy, herbal notes pair well with many sangria herbs and spices.
- Pinot sangrias have a lighter ruby color than Cabernet.
Some potential drawbacks of Pinot Noir in sangria include:
- Can occasionally be overpowered by bolder fruits and flavors.
- Less tannic structure than Cabernet.
- Bright red fruitiness clashes with some tropical fruits.
- Lighter color provides less dramatic visual appeal.
Ideal Fruits and Ingredients for Pinot Sangria
Fruits and ingredients that work well with Pinot Noir’s flavor profile include:
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Pears
- Apples
- Peaches
- Plums
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Melons
- Mint
- Basil
- Lavender
- Elderflower
- Gin
- Vodka
Avoid heavier fruits like blackberries and pomegranates as they may overwhelm Pinot’s delicate flavors. Spices like cinnamon and clove can also clash with Pinot’s fruit and herbal notes.
Pinot Noir Sangria Recipe
Here is a light and refreshing Pinot sangria recipe highlighting the bright cherry notes:
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Pinot Noir
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1⁄4 cup triple sec
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- Splash soda water
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- Ice
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine Pinot Noir, raspberries, strawberries, orange slices, lemon slices, triple sec, sugar and basil. Let sit for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, add a splash of soda water and stir gently.
- Serve sangria over ice and garnish with basil.
Key Differences
To summarize the key differences:
| Cabernet Sangria | Pinot Sangria |
|---|---|
| Fuller body and flavor intensity | Lighter body and more delicate flavors |
| Black currant, cherry, and oak notes | Bright cherry, raspberry, and herbal notes |
| Deep ruby red color | Paler ruby color |
| Pairs well with blackberries, orange, cinnamon, cloves | Pairs well with raspberries, kiwi, mint, elderflower |
| Higher alcohol level | Lower alcohol level |
| More tannic structure | Less tannins |
Conclusion
Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir can make fantastic sangria with the right supporting ingredients. Cabernet provides a robust, intensely fruity sangria that stands up well to other bold flavors. Pinot Noir results in a lighter, more delicate sangria that highlights the brightness of the fruit. Consider the color, fruit pairings, and style you want to determine if Cabernet or Pinot suits your preferences better when making sangria. But feel free to experiment with both in your quest for the perfect sangria!