Perhaps my oddest pairing but the two have something in common... Sangria!

What to wines to drink at Halloween... I think Sangria is a great Halloween beverage, Sangiovese would be a close second choice.  I would probably stay away from the various Frankenwines around as well as the quite plentiful “vampire” wines that surface time of year.  Mercifully, they are short lived on the shelves.

Now what does all of this have to do with Marta’s wedding?  Well, Marta is Spanish and Sangria of course the traditional drink of Spain.  In January, Marta is marrying a South African chap in the Stellenbosch and I suggest they serve South African Bubbly and Sangria!

Let’s start with Bubbly.  I guarantee that you will not go wrong with Villiere’s Monro Brut!  Unbelievably well priced and wonderful.  You will also score well with any of the Graham Beck Bruts.  I know that Marta is very committed to caring for the Earth and she might enjoy going with Villiere’s Natural Brut, a little more expensive.  I have never tasted it - but I can’t believe it is not wonderful.

Ok now for the Sangria.  Here is my special recipe for Marta’s wedding.  I would start with well ripened South African citrus fruits; at least one big orange, two limes and two lemons thin sliced so all of the juice will go into the drink.  To my palate, the more fruit the better.  For the wine, why not go with a spicy red from the winery where the wedding is being held?  I think either a Syrah or Pinotage would work, but whatever you do, don’t go with cheap wine - your Sangria needs to be a reflection of the quality of the wine.  If you are not going with the “wedding” winery, then Bayerskloof Pinotage is magnificent and absolutely South African!

You will need a really good fruit juice.  I love passion fruit and it is readily available in South Africa.  If you can’t find fresh passion fruit (as we can’t here in the States) frozen will work just fine.  And if that fails... Alize golden is a blend of french cognac and passion fruit.  Passion is such an important ingredient in everything we do - don’t skimp on that ingredient.

The last ingredient is another South African standard - brandy.  South Africa is about good brandy, KWV had the monopoly forever and is everywhere.  Don’t scrimp again, go with a good quality brandy!

So there you have it, my take on a Spanish classic Sangria

750 ml good red wine

750 ml passion fruit juice

325 ml good brandy

thin sliced citrus fruits

Sugar to taste, unlikely will be needed

Sub Alize gold if no passion fruit available

Much love and happiness to the bride and groom!

your humble correspondent,

doyle

Please always be responsible when consuming wine.  Life is precious, please take good care of it.

Trick or Treat!