We're only eight days away from the last day of summer but that doesn't mean it has to end, goddamnit! Keep holding on! KEEP! HOLDING! ON! Don't you ever give up until the snow is at your kneecaps! KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE! Drink some Sangria, you'll feel better.
Sangria originated in Rioja, Spain but it's a great tradition spanning the whole country. Wine, fruit juice and (traditionally but not always) brandy. Joya Sangria's home is the small town of La Puebla de Almoradiel in the Castilla-La Mancha region. It takes wine made from grapes of La Mancha and blends it with Mediterranean fruit. All flavors are natural and there are "no additives". Just natural fruit juice and the fermented fruit juice we call wine. It's all grown, produced and bottled in Spain.
Joya White Sangria
The wine for the White Sangria is made entirely from the Airén grape. It was only a few years ago that Airén was the most planted wine grape variety in the world just because of its vast vineyards in La Mancha. That's where Spain grows the grapes for their oceans of brandy and Airén is the grape used. It lost the planting champ title recently to both Cabernet Sauvignon (#1) and Merlot (#2). "Down two spots from #1 it's Airén!"- actual pretend quote from Casey Kasem.
I'm not sure what fruit is added. All I can find is "fresh Mediterranean citrus fruit". Fair enough. But, if I may make an open suggestion to Joya, if you're going to make the whole "no additive" thing a big part of your product then you need to know that the same people that will be drawn to your product because of that hook would appreciate it if they also knew what kind of fruit you're using. I'm not slamming those people, but they do tend to be picky about ingredients on labeling. Tend to your audience, guys. It would only help you. :)
The white isn't all that appealing by itself BUT if you added a squirt of flavoring, such as raspberry or watermelon juice, then it's darn good. Some vodka or citrus vodka too and you've got some damn killer, restaurant quality Sangria. Joya says you can make a Rosé Sangria by blending both the red and the white. I tried it and loved it. So just think of the white as an ingredient.
Price: $13
Rating By Itself: 2.5/5 = Not Impressive / Satisfying
Rating With Additions: 4/5 = Recommended (what does that mean?)
Joya Red Sangria
The wine for the Red Sangria is made from Tempranillo, Garnacha and Bobal. Bobal is, or was, I believe the third most planted red grape in Spain. Correct me if I'm wrong. The fruit for the Red Sangria is again "fresh Mediterranean citrus fruit".
I've put it in the 24 oz Giant Glass from My Wine Passion simply because I'm off from work tomorrow. It looks like a trophy and it says "World Champ" on the base. Because I am a World Champ. Or I'll feel like one after drinking this. Or just pass out. Yeah, I'll probably just pass out. Like a Champ.
Just the aromatics is incredible. I've never smelled a premade Sangria before that brought out the wine-lover in me. If it's an awesome Sangria then it's usually like "oh yeah this Sangria is gonna be awesome" but my wine senses immediately start tingling on this one. You can smell the Tempranillo from a mile away. And Garnacha being Garnacha it just adds to the aromas of the fruit.
On the palate it's juicy and earthy and it's just so right all by itself. The characteristics of the wine shine through and the fruit is intense and fucking on point. The red is where it's at with Joya.
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to finish all of this Sangria. Glug glug.
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to finish all of this Sangria. Glug glug.
Price: $13
Rating: 5/5 = Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)
The bottles used were supplied free of charge for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.
Amazing, Your blogs are really good and informative. I got a lots of useful information in your blogs. It is very great and useful to all. Just the aromatics is incredible. I've never smelled a premade Sangria before that brought out the wine-lover in me. If it's an awesome Sangria then it's usually like "oh yeah this Sangria is gonna be awesome" but my wine senses immediately start tingling on this one. You can smell the Tempranillo from a mile away. And Garnacha being Garnacha it just adds to the aromas of the fruit flsa lawyer near me. Keeps sharing more useful blogs....
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