Fruity Summertime Sangria...Featuring Ogio Tuscan Red and Prosecco

Happy Memorial Day! I want to give a special thank you today to all U.S. military members -- past and present -- who bravely fight to keep our country safe! Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of Summer. I know some parts of the country are still dealing with cool temperatures, but it's already warm here in Central Texas. That means it's sangria season too! Sangria is basically the perfect Summer cocktail: light, fruity, and refreshing. It's also perfect for entertaining, because you can make it up to a day ahead and let it chill in a pitcher in the fridge. When your guests arrive, they can pour themselves a glass of fruity goodness...leaving you to tend to appetizers or dinner. 

Ogio, a fantastic brand of Italian wines, recently sent me a bottle of their Tuscan Red and Prosecco to share a refreshing fizzy sangria to kick off the Summer season today! Before I created my Fruity Summertime Sangria, I tasted the wines to check out their flavor profiles. The Tuscan Red is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot. It's a deep ruby-red color with an intense palate and good body. It's nicely balanced with a touch of acidity that makes it an exceptionally food-friendly wine. The fizzy Prosecco is light yellow in color with fruity notes of peach and green apple, followed by hints of acacia and lilac. Fresh and light on the palate, the Prosecco has a balanced acidity. Together, both wines gave my sangria a well-balanced flavor.

My Fruity Summertime Sangria features lime, orange, green apple, blackberries, and white nectarine. The citrus pairs well with the Prosecco, and the blackberries paired nicely with the Tuscan Red in the mix. The longer you let the sangria chill in the fridge, the more pronounced fruit flavor it will have. I like to make it either the night before or morning of the day I plan to serve it. this allows the fruits to release their juice. My secret ingredient in this sangria is a Meyer lemon simple syrup that infuses a bright citrus flavor in every sip!

Fruity Summertime Sangria

Inspired by Ogio Wines

Step 1: Add the following fruits to the bottom of a large pitcher: 1/2 cup blackberries, 1 small thinly slice lime, 1 small thinly sliced orange, 1 small thinly sliced green apple, and 1 thinly sliced white nectarine.

Step 2: Make a Meyer lemon simple syrup by adding 3/4 cup sugar and 1/3 cup Meyer lemon juice to a microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave for 1 minute, or until it begins to bubble. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add 1-2 ice cubes to chill if the syrup is too hot. 

Step 3: Pour the simple syrup over the fruit, then add the following ingredients: 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup Grand Marnier, 1 bottle Ogio Tuscan Red wine, and 1/2 bottle chilled Ogio Prosecco. Stir to combine, then refrigerate until well chilled. To serve, use a slotted spoon to transfer some of the fruit to serving glasses. Pour the sangria over the top.

This sangria is fruity, fizzy, and refreshing...perfect for al fresco dining on warm Summer nights! The citrus flavor is pronounced thanks to the Meyer lemon, orange juice, and Grand Marnier in the mix. I really liked the combination of the hearty red wine and the light, bubble moscato! This sangria pairs perfectly with appetizers, but it's also nice with grilled meats and turkey burgers. I hope you'll give it a try and let me know how you and your guests enjoy it!

Disclosure: Ogio wines sent me a bottle of their Tuscan Red and Prosecco to create this Fruity Summertime Sangria. However, all opinions expressed are mine.