master-cooks | The Best Wine To Use When Making Mulled Wine

When making mulled wine, the choice of wine plays a critical role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors. A medium-bodied red wine with good acidity is ideal, as it complements the spices and enhances the warming nature of the drink without overpowering it. Wines like Merlot, Zinfandel, or Grenache are excellent choices due to their fruit-forward profiles and smooth tannins, which meld well with traditional mulling spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. It's important to select a wine that is not overly complex or expensive, as the mulling process will alter its characteristics. Instead, a reasonably priced wine with robust fruit flavors will suffice. The wine should also have a moderate alcohol content, allowing the spices and added citrus fruits to shine through without the wine tasting too harsh or diluted. Ultimately, the best wine for mulled wine is one that creates a harmonious blend of warmth, spice, and fruitiness, making it perfect for cozy gatherings on chilly evenings. Remember, personal taste plays a significant role, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different red wines until you find the one that suits your palate best.

Mulled wine isn't pricey

Many people suggest avoiding fancy, expensive wines for mulling, opting instead for more affordable options. The reasoning is that the spices you add can mask the delicate flavors of a high-end vintage, and if you're mixing in brandy, you're further diluting it. This approach can help you save money on wine. However, some argue that you should stick with the quality of wine you typically enjoy, as the added flavors won't completely overshadow the wine's original taste. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference: do you have a strong aversion to lower-quality wines, or do you think they can be enhanced with spices?

If you're looking for a unique twist on mulled wine, consider making glögg, a Swedish version that includes almonds and raisins. For this, a pinot noir works well, as it complements the nuts nicely. Some recipes also incorporate apple cider with alcohol, in which case a drier wine is preferable since apple cider tends to be sweet on its own. If you decide to add fruit juice to your mulled wine, choosing a dry wine is also a good idea, but it will resemble hot sangria, which typically uses fruitier and more budget-friendly wines.

The Best Wine To Use When Making Mulled Wine

Mulled wine isn't pricey

Recommended

Next up