If you want to try some great wines, head to Portugal! An under-recognized old-world wine producer, Portugal has been exporting wines since at least 1679, and is home of the fortified and complexly sweet Port. Young Port wines are easy on the pocketbook, and make an excellent Port Sangria, a local favourite…
When Port’s popularity rose with the British in 1700s, regulations were put in place to protect the production of authentic Douro Port. Today, true Port only originates from the Douro Valley, Portugal, much like you can only get Champagne from Champagne, France. There are however many ‘port-style’ wines produced globally. True Ports use a blend of grapes (no mono-varietals), and add a fortifying grape spirit (not brandy) during fermentation. The addition of the grape spirit allows it to be converted to alcohol while sparing the natural sweetness of the Duoro grapes.
We learnt all this and more during a once in a lifetime visit to Portugal’s Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The terraced valley is absolutely stunning to see. Photos simply cannot do it justice, and certainly do little to convey the unforgettable food, wine, and hospitality.
Port wine is served all throughout Portugal, and on one of our first days in Lisbon we were wandering through the city and stumbled upon a lively outdoor market with cheese and meat delicacies, and huge jugs of Port Sangria.
The White Port Sangria was exceptional, a delicate mix of flavors and sweetness while still being refreshing. We each ordered a large cup and asked the host to tell us how we could replicate it for our friends back home!
Nothing beats sightseeing in Lisbon with a cup of fruity Portuguese Sangria. It’s just what you need to cool off and relax before heading off on Tram 15 to Belém to try the famous Pastéis de Belém.
Once you have tried the recipe for yourself, let us know what you think in the comments below!
Portuguese White Port Sangria
This is a delicious Sangria made with White Port. It can be made with authentic Portuguese Port, or just Port-style wine. It has a delicate mix of flavors and sweetness while still being refreshing.
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 branches of mint
- 1- pint strawberries (sliced)
- 2 oranges (chopped into round slices and quartered)
- 1 bottle white port-style wine
- 2 cans of sparkling water (or club soda)
- Ice
- Place the cinnamon sticks, mint leaves, strawberries and oranges into a large jug.
- Pour in the white port wine
- Stir and chill for one to two hours
- Immediately before serving, fill to the brim with sparking water and give a delicate stir
- Serve over ice in wine or rocks glasses
- Enjoy!
Lauren says
Hi. I’m looking forward to making this Portuguese White Port Sangria at my wedding in Portugal next month, it sounds delicious!! Do you have the recipe for the red port sangria in the pic? Would love to make both <3
Sylvie says
I’m so glad you like it! Where in Portugal are you getting married? The notes I have for the red port Sangria are pretty simple – just red port wine, oranges and cinnamon sticks. Best wishes for your wedding next month!
Nictrevor00@gmail.com says
I had a “white sangria@ in estoril in 2015. It was delicious but it had some beer in it acc to the waiter. Is tgat possible?
Sylvie says
Hi Nictrevor, I’m sure it’s possible, although perhaps not traditional! This was the recipe that was shared with us from the market and we wanted to record it to be able to replicate it at home. I bet with the right beer it would make a really delicious drink with fresh fruit and some spices.
wine-boutique.ro says
bookmarked!!, I really like your site!
Star D says
My favorite drink in my favorite country!
Since we’re unable to travel at this time,this is a much needed saudade
Obrigada.