Wine Wednesday: Tinto de Verano
A few weeks ago while in Spain, I was introduced to Tinto de Verano. Literally translated, Tinto de Verano is the red wine of summer (“tinto” is Spanish for red wine) and is a refreshing wine cocktail served all over Spain during the season.
Though similar to sangria, Tinto de Verano – a beverage, which originated as a way to sweeten slightly tart bodega wine – has less alcohol and is easier to make, since there’s no fruit-chopping involved. You simply combine red wine with lemon or orange soda and voilà. For those who find Tinto de Verano too sweet, just add a splash of sparkling water or seltzer to dilute it a bit.
Another popular wine cocktail found in Spain is Calimocho, which is the same idea, but mixes red wine and cola. I have to admit I didn’t try the Calimocho, because I’d read an article in the New York Times about the drink a few weeks earlier, and thought, “but why?” In all honesty, I initially had the same thought about Tinto de Verano. But after a few hours of sightseeing in Seville in 40 ºC (104 ºF) temps, I found it to be the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot afternoon; its low alcohol content is thirst-quenching, but not buzz-inducing.
I don’t know if I’ll be making Tinto de Verano now that I’m home; I’m content to enjoy a pink wine of summer. During those sweltering afternoons in Seville, however, Tinto de Verano was the way to go.
