Friday Favorites | Red Wine

I am linking-up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci for another edition of Friday Favorites! This week I'm talking about my favorite Red Wines! I gave up alcohol for Lent this year, so I figured if I can't drink wine I should let everyone know my favorites so that you can have some!

There are three types of red wine that I usually choose from. My personal favorite is Pinot Noir, and this is my go-to. My second choice would be a Cabernet Sauvignon. Jonathan doesn't like strong red wines, but we have found that he likes most Malbec, so this is my choice if we are sharing a bottle. I picked bottles that range from $10 - $25. Something for everyone!

Pinot Noir

 My go-to Pinot Noir is the Coppola Diamond Pinot Noir. This can be picked up at Total Wine, Publix, or even some of the drug stores in the area. It has a great taste, and is very smooth. Recently I tried the D'Autrefois Reserve Pinot Noir during a wine tasting at Total Wine. I was impressed by how much I liked this bottle.

Malbec

Jonathan and I try most new Malbec wines when we are at restaurants and I usually forget to write down the bottles that we like. We have also tried a variety of options from local stores. The Gascon Malbec and Gascon Malbec Reserve are two of our favorites and usually our first choices for a bottle at home. We also really like the Coppola Diamond Malbec.

Cabernet Sauvignon

When Jonathan and I first moved to Savannah, I discovered my love of Louis Martini Cabernet. I had it at The Olde Pink House and have been a big fan ever since. This is also my first choice for making a red sangria! The Coppola Diamond Cabernet is another great option for cabernet, as I am a big fan of all Coppola wines!

Apothic Dark

Last Fall I was in Virginia, and we had a wine tasting at a family friends house. It was during this tasting that I discovered Apothic Dark, and I have been hooked ever since. Unfortunately, this is a seasonal wine and it is very difficult to find. I am not typically a fan of red blends, as I feel that they are too sweet. This is a dark red blend, and I love it. If you find a bottle - pick it up and I promise you will not be disappointed. The best part - is that it costs between $8.99 - $12.99 depending on what store you are shopping in. You can't beat that price for a great bottle of wine!

Thanks for stopping by! Before you are off to enjoy your weekend, I wanted to leave you with an awesome Red Sangria recipe!

Red Sangria

Ingredients:

2 (750 mL) bottles dry red wine [Cabernet Sauvignon]
1 cup brandy
1/3 cup sugar
¼ cup orange liqueur
1 pound Strawberries, hulled and halved
3 oranges, thinly sliced
3 limes, thinly sliced
2 lemons, thinly sliced
1 can of lemon-lime soda

Directions:

Stir together wine, brandy, sugar and orange liqueur in a large pitcher, until sugar is dissolved.
Add strawberries, lime, lemon and orange to the wine mixture, and lightly mull the fruit using a wooden spoon to release juices.
Cover and refrigerate for anywhere from 2-24 hours. Stir in soda just before serving, strain and serve over ice. [If you use a beverage dispenser you do not need to strain before serving]