There’s something undeniably joyful about sipping a chilled glass of sangria under the summer sun. This fruity, wine-based cocktail is a crowd favourite during the warmer months, offering a refreshing and flavour-packed alternative to those who want to enjoy a light and breezy drink. Easy to customise and even easier to enjoy, sangria is ideal for picnics, pool parties, weekend brunches, or casual get-togethers with friends. At the heart of any great sangria lies a well-chosen wine, and choosing the right bottle can make all the difference.
While it originated from Spain, sangria enjoys immense global popularity thanks to its vibrant colours, versatility, and delicious taste. The best wines for sangria are fruit-forward, smooth, and medium-bodied, which can complement seasonal fruits without overpowering them. Red wines like Tempranillo, Shiraz, and Merlot work beautifully for classic sangrias, while whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc are ideal for zesty, citrus-forward versions. Rosé wines can also be used for a blush-toned summer twist.
In India, where summer temperatures soar and guests crave something light and festive, sangria is fast becoming a favourite. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of Indian and imported wines available under different budgets that work wonderfully in sangria recipes. This article explores the best wines for sangria that bring flavour, freshness, and flair to your summer parties, ensuring you pour the perfect pitcher every single time.
Also Read: Best Indian White Wines For Brunches
Best Wines For Sangria
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige DOC
This crisp and zesty Italian white is a brilliant base for a refreshing summer sangria. With delicate notes of green apple and pear, it creates the perfect backdrop for seasonal fruits like peaches, nectarines, and citrus. The wine’s clean, dry profile ensures that the sangria stays light and vibrant, without becoming overly sweet. Ideal for warm afternoons or alfresco evenings, it pairs beautifully with a splash of white rum, basil leaves, and a top-up of sparkling water. The result is a white sangria that’s fresh, fruity, and effortlessly elegant.
Importer: Vbev
Price: ₹4250
Fuze Chenin Blanc
Fruity, fun, and refreshingly affordable, this Indian Chenin Blanc is a sangria superstar waiting to happen. It’s lightly off-dry with juicy notes of tropical fruit, making it an ideal base for summer pitchers bursting with pineapple, mango, or lychee. The soft acidity ensures your mix stays balanced, while the wine’s gentle sweetness plays beautifully with herbs like mint or spices like ginger. It’s approachable for beginners, flexible for creative flavour combinations, and easy to enjoy all day long. Best served well chilled with lots of ice, this white wine sangria is perfect for daytime celebrations or casual evenings with friends. Looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing summer drink? This one hits the spot.
Producer: Uniwine Vintners
Price: ₹1150
Berton Vineyards Metal Label Rosé
This vibrant rosé made from Shiraz grapes offers the perfect harmony of bold fruit and refreshing acidity, making it a standout base for a flavour-packed sangria. With notes of ripe strawberries, raspberries, and a delicate floral undertone, it brings both depth and brightness to the glass. Its dry yet juicy profile ensures your sangria never turns overly sweet, while the lively acidity balances the fruit and any added spirits beautifully. Served well chilled, it’s ideal for sunny brunches, weekend barbecues, or just an easygoing summer afternoon. If you’re looking to impress guests with a sangria that’s both pretty and punchy, this rosé delivers.
Importer: Monika Alcobev
Price: ₹2,595
Le Grand Noir Rosé
Elegant and effortlessly refreshing, this French rosé is a dreamy base for a light and fruity summer sangria. With flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of watermelon, it strikes a lovely balance between dry and juicy, perfect for warm-weather sipping. The crisp finish adds a refreshing lift, ensuring your sangria never feels too sweet or heavy. Its pale pink hue also makes for a visually stunning serve, ideal for brunches, garden parties, or lazy afternoon catch-ups. Add in fresh strawberries, kiwi, lime slices, and a splash of elderflower syrup topped with sparkling water, and you’ve got a sangria that’s both vibrant and refined. It’s a go-to pick for those who like their sangrias pretty, punchy, and effortlessly stylish.
Importer: Sula Selections
Price: ₹1750
Also Read: Award-Winning French Wines Under ₹5000
Grover Zampa La Reserve Shiraz – Grenache
If you’re looking to make a bold, fruit-forward red sangria, this Shiraz-Grenache blend is a fantastic place to start. Packed with ripe berry flavours and layered with warm spice and a touch of smoky oak, it brings just the right depth to your summer pitcher. The wine’s soft tannins and juicy structure make it ideal for mixing with citrus fruits and a splash of brandy or soda. Its dark fruit core adds richness, while the peppery notes bring complexity without overwhelming the drink. A few slices of orange, apple, and pomegranate seeds bring it all together beautifully. It’s a crowd-pleasing base for classic sangria recipes.
Produce: Grover Zampa Vineyards
Price: ₹1175
Easy 3-Step Sangria Recipe:
- Mix Your Base: In a large jug, combine 1 bottle of wine (red, white, or rosé), 60ml brandy or rum, and 2 tablespoons sugar or honey.
- Add Fruits: Slice fruits like oranges, apples, lemons, berries, or mangoes and drop them into the mix. Let it chill for 2–4 hours.
- Top & Serve: Just before serving, add ice and top with soda or sparkling water for a refreshing fizz. Stir and enjoy!
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