How are you cooling off this summer?
Yeah, the summers are hot here in Texas. We know. And, it’s a special kinda hot. Long, searing sunny days that give way to more comfortable evenings that are just right for watching the sunset that ushers in the endless sky full of stars. This is what summers are made of in Texas. And, we love it.
After the sun sets, one of my favorite things to do is invite my friends over to sit outside on my deck and enjoy a refreshing and fruity white Sangria while snacking on tapas, as the chicken is grilling to be served after sunset with a green salad and dessert.
In Texas, you need a special wine to create the right Sangria to cool off from the Texas-sized summer heat.
One of my favorite white wines to cool off with is by the glass or by the pitcher of Sangria. It is the crisp and floral Llano Moscato from Llano Estacado Winery located in Lubbock.
This Moscato made from Muscat Canelli grapes is a cool, zesty and refreshing white wine fashioned after the famous Moscato wines from Piedmont, Italy. Every sip is vibrant and aromatic with lively acidity and balanced with residual sweetness. The slight effervescence and mouth-watering citrus make this a perfect summertime wine by the glass and a perfect wine for making white Sangria. This low alcohol wine (10%) is just perfect for a summer evening sipper for a more mellow evening of enjoyment. But, if you dare, add a splash of local Texas vodka.
Moscato-style wines are inherently sweet. But sweet doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s not just about the sweetness level. This wine has layers of flavors and aromas. It’s a lovely and nearly perfect balance of sweetness with lemon, tart apple, pear, and stone fruit on the palate. Put the glass to your nose and think white petals of aromatic summer flowers and fresh peaches. All of the combined layers create a wine that pairs so well with spicy foods, grilled meats, as well as desserts such as fruit cobblers with crunchy, buttery crusts.
Summertime is also the best time to visit Texas wineries to see the vines in all of their glory and discover all of the varieties of wines that Texas has to offer. Each winery in Texas is unique and has so much to offer. Go and discover your favorite summer wine now.
The perfect Sangria fruit? Fredericksburg, Texas peaches are of course! This a perfect combination of fresh summer Texas fruit and Texas wine that will cool you all the way through these intense summer months into the cooler days of the fall. That’s when I focus on spicy red Sangria!
Making a summer white Sangria is easy and you can keep these ingredients on hand for any occasion. Long after peach season is over, you’ll be glad you froze those extra Fredericksburg peach slices. I like to add fresh lemon and apple slices, strawberries, and a splash of another Texas product, Central Market’s Peach Bellini Flavored Organic Italian Soda. This adds the right amount of bubbles and an extra punch of peach flavor.
A bottle of Llano Estacado Moscato, sliced peaches, lemons, strawberries, and a splash of peach soda is all you need to make this tasty Texas Sangria. Make sure it’s in a clear pitcher that your serving in so everyone can see how beautiful it is.
It’s as beautiful as a Texas sunset.
Llano Estacado Moscato is available at your local grocery or favorite wine shop. Go now. It’s Texas hot outside!
CHEERS Y’ALL!
All photos by www.laylamays.com
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