House Wine Sangria

House Wine Sangria is a ready-to-pour sangria from Esplanda, labeled as a Massachusetts product from the United States. The details on file don't give a grape blend, fruit list or alcohol level, so the notes below describe what the style usually delivers. Check the label for the specifics. Sangria is a wine-based fruit drink. Expect a red-leaning, fruit-forward profile with citrus and orchard fruit, a soft body, little to no tannin, and a gently sweet finish with enough acidity to keep it from feeling heavy. Oak is rarely a factor in this style, so don't look for vanilla or toasted notes. Serve it cold, around 40 to 45°F, or over plenty of ice. Dilution is part of the style, and the drink holds up well as the ice melts. Decanting does nothing for a fruit-driven wine like this. A pitcher is the better choice, since it lets you add a few slices of orange, lemon or apple and gives guests a refill without reopening the bottle. In the glass, a stemless tumbler or a large wine glass filled with ice works well. A big bowl is more than you need, and a delicate stem is wasted on a drink that's served over ice. Sangria is flexible at the table. Salty, savory food is the natural match: tapas-style plates of olives, manchego, chorizo, patatas bravas and garlic shrimp, and also grilled sausages, chicken skewers or burgers. Spicy dishes such as tacos, jerk chicken or Thai-style salads work too, because the sweetness and chill soften the heat. Pair it with lighter fare and fruit-based desserts, and avoid rich, heavily sauced dishes. This is a drink-now bottle. Styles like this are made for fresh fruit character and aren't meant for cellaring. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and finish it within a few days, because the bright fruit fades fastest.