As a sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about the alcohol content of sangria made with red wine. First, it's important to note that the alcohol content of sangria can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
Traditionally, sangria is made by combining red wine with various fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and apples, along with sweeteners like sugar or honey, and sometimes fortified with additional spirits like brandy or liqueurs. The alcohol content of sangria will primarily depend on the alcohol percentage of the red wine used as its base.
Red wines typically have an alcohol content ranging from 12-15% ABV (alcohol by volume). This percentage is the measure of how much alcohol is present in a given volume of the beverage. So, if you make sangria using a red wine with 12% ABV, the resulting sangria will have a similar alcohol content.
However, it's important to consider that when you add other ingredients like fruits and sweeteners, the overall alcohol content may be diluted. The additional liquids and sugars can lower the alcohol concentration in the final sangria. Additionally, if you choose to include spirits like brandy, the alcohol content will be higher due to the higher ABV of the added spirit.
To give you a general idea, the European Union law states that drinks labeled as sangria must have an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 12% vol. This regulation sets a maximum limit for the alcohol content of sangria sold within the EU. Therefore, if you buy pre-made sangria from a store, it is likely to have an alcohol content below 12% ABV to comply with these regulations.
In my personal experience, homemade sangria made with red wine usually has an alcohol content ranging from 8-10% ABV, depending on the specific recipe and the amount of additional spirits added. This lower percentage is due to the dilution effect of the fruits, sweeteners, and sometimes ice or soda added to the sangria.
It's worth noting that the alcohol content of sangria can also vary depending on the serving size. If you consume a larger amount of sangria, you'll ultimately consume more alcohol. It's always important to drink responsibly and be aware of the alcohol content of the beverages you consume.
To summarize, the alcohol content of sangria made with red wine can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. Red wine itself typically has an alcohol content of 12-15% ABV, but the addition of fruits, sweeteners, and spirits can affect the final alcohol percentage. Homemade sangria often falls within the 8-10% ABV range, while pre-made sangria sold in stores usually adheres to the EU regulation of less than 12% ABV.