Each cuisine has a history behind many of its dishes. With Mexican food in particular, you will find some of the most extensive reaches when it comes to tracing its past. From street tacos to guacamole, nearly every dish comes with a story. However, it is not only Mexican food that has a story, but also the drink.
In preparation for National Sangria Day, your favorite Amherst restaurant, Monarquia, is delving into one of the most beloved Mexican drinks – the past, the present, and the endless possibilities that sangria provides.
The Past
With an active shipping trade in 200BC, the Romans were among the largest consumers of Spanish red wine. Why wine? During this period, much of the water was unsafe to drink. Thus, wine and wine punches became the go-to for quenching thirst. Beyond fresh fruit, spices such as cinnamon were also incorporated into the punch. It’s important to note that many of the wines in earlier times were much less potent than what we drink today, yet were nonetheless delicious.
Traditional sangrias use wine from the Tempranillo grape. This robust black grape makes some of the finest full-bodied wines native to Spain. With undertones of berry and fig, the woody notes are deep and savory, providing a perfect base for sangria.
The Now
While red wines remain the most popular choice for a sangria punch, it’s not uncommon to find white wine options as well. For instance, Sauvignon Blanc contains citrus notes that pair perfectly with sangria blends. However, the distinct flavor can also work against a recipe that contains high amounts of lime and lemon.
Finding the perfect combination of wine and ingredients takes a little know-how in balancing. And this is without considering the other ingredients that are often added, such as brandy.
The Possibilities
As mentioned, choosing the base is the beginning of your sangria journey. Does the day call for white or red? If you’re not sure which direction to take, consider the environment in which it will be served. If you’re serving sangria at a party filled with appetizers and munchie food, either could suffice. Whites tend to go better during the summer months, where a full-bodied red is a nice addition to the more remarkable fall and winter seasons. If your sangria is paired with dinner, a traditional red blend is generally the best choice.
Here at Monarquia, our family couldn’t be more excited to celebrate National Sangria Day with our guests! Be sure to stop into your favorite Amherst restaurant on December 20th and have a glass (or two) of sangria to kick off the holiday season! We look forward to seeing you!