Miami-based Friends Fun Wine rolls out three new wines. Coconut wine anyone?
-Lincoln C. Chinnery III

Full Disclosure- I am not an expert on Wine. What I know about Grapes could fill a matchbook. Granted, there are few wines that I enjoy and order by name --Casillero del Diablo’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz Rosé to name two. With that said, I was asked to taste three exciting expressions from Friends Fun Wine. Their Sangria, Strawberry Moscato, and Coconut Chardonnay. Yes, Coconut Chardonnay.

Bottle Magic

The bottles for these party forward wines are funky. They were designed by the world-famous graffiti artist and current Chief Design Officer, Mr. Miguel Paredes. The cover art on each of the specially designed bottles represents not only, the wild flavors found inside but the untethered spirit of a bacchanal. The bottles are a bold representation of flavor filled food, high energy dance music, social drinking, and slightly naughty behavior. Beautiful, vibrant and stunning, each of the almost collectable bottles convey the idea of a lost party weekend in Miami with Justin Timberlake providing the soundtrack.

The Sangria
 
Though most people enjoy Sangria, few know how to make it. There are about 40 different versions of Sangria, but the most basic formula calls for the following elements and instructions. Here's how to do it:

Ingredients:  
2 bottles of Red Wine (Spanish or Italian)– Full bodied or Dry or a mix of both (if you are brave.) 
½ cup of Cognac. 
12 oz. of Cointreau. 
12 oz. of freshly squeezed Orange Juice. 
8 ounces of Simple Syrup. 
4 Lemon & 4 Oranges. Cut into thin wedges. 
8 Strawberries. Sliced. 
Prosecco as needed. 
7-Up as needed.
Directions:
Combine ingredients (except the 7-Up, Prosecco, and fruit) in a large glass container and stir until your arm is tired. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Then pour into a pitcher with ice, 7-Up, and sliced fruit. Add Prosecco to taste.

Now that you know what goes into a Sangria, it is easier to tell how this product tastes and compares to a basic Sangria. As a Sangria, it works and checks off all the boxes for what a Sangria should be. FFW hits the vital flavor notes one looks for in a good Sangria. There are strong hints of Citrus (Oranges and Lemons). It is full bodied (Red Wine) with a soft, sweet taste to it (Orange Juice, 7-Up, and Simple Syrup). After a few glasses you know you’re drinking something alcoholic (5.5% ABV for a 750 ML). This presents as a pleasant mix of Cognac and Cointreau.

If you’re throwing a party and wanted to make a quick and easy Sangria,  pour 2 bottles of it into a punch bowl with ice and sliced fruit, no one would fault you. If you wanted to turn the above recipe into something killer, a Sangria to call your own, a boozy remix on a classic –- then by all means add bottle to any basic recipe.

Read A Ginger Grows in Brooklyn--Handcrafted Ginger Beer Is Here

The Strawberry Moscato

If you are not acquainted with Moscato, know this--– It’s made from the Muscat family of grapes. Moscato’s flavor profile pings all over the spectrum, from dry as a Monty Python skit to syrupy sweet. It’s best paired with a light brunch or dessert as an aperitif.

Usually, Moscato’s scent suggests Lemon or Peach flavors. FFW’s Moscato takes a different track and pairs the Summery sweetness of the Grape with the rich flavor of Strawberries to create something (surprisingly) delightful. Their Moscato works well when served in a chilled Champagne Flute or a stemless wine glass and some ice. It’s an attempt to bring Moscato to the masses without any snobbery.

The Coconut Chardonnay
  
Chardonnay Grapes are very neutral, with many of the flavors commonly associated with the Grape being derived from such influences as terroir (the natural environment in which a wine is produced) and Oak.

Without being too harsh – This was the one expression from FFW that I did not enjoy. Between the over powering smell of Coconut and the under whelming taste choice of Chardonnay I couldn’t finish what I had poured into my glass.

2 out of 3 ain’t bad…

After trying the other bottles, I was looking forward to enjoying the Chardonnay. Honestly, I was thrilled to imbibe the Sangria while I binged on Homeland. The Moscato was a refreshing beverage choice as caught up on Will & Grace. But the Coconut Chardonnay didn’t sit well with me and was put aside before the first commercial break for Black Lighting.

All in all, out of the three that I drank the Sangria and Moscato are my personal favorites. I commend FFW for taking the stuffiness out of three time-honored classics and going down a more flavor filled and creative path. These items are great to enjoy by yourself (Responsibly!), with a friend or as a boozy contribution to a party. As mentioned a 750 ML has 5.5% alcohol by volume and can bought at Gristedes or your local supermarket for 10 bucks.

Lincoln C. Chinnery III is a freelance Cocktail Journalist, Bar Reviewer, Whiskey Enthusiast, Gin Lover, Bourbon Drinker, and Eater of fine dinners. Lincoln welcomes questions and comments via email at [email protected]