What Wine For Mulled Wine

As the chilly winter season rolls in, there's nothing more comforting than sipping on a warm glass of mulled wine. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply seeking a cozy night at home, making the perfect mulled wine begins with choosing the right base. With so many styles of wine out there, how do you know which is best for mulling? Don't worry, Black Wine Club has got you covered! In this guide, we'll explore the best styles of wine for mulled wine, and share some tips on creating a delicious, aromatic concoction that's bound to impress your guests and ignite a cozy ambiance.

What is Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine is a traditional warm, spiced beverage made by gently heating red wine with various spices, fruits, and a sweetener, often honey or sugar. This festive drink dates back as far as ancient Rome, and has been enjoyed across different cultures and eras ever since. The spices and flavorings used in mulled wine can vary depending on the region, but common ingredients include cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange peel.

Criteria for Choosing the Perfect Wine for Mulling

Before you start mulling, it's essential to choose the right wine for the job. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a wine for mulled wine:

1. Budget-friendly

• Don't use a high-end or expensive bottle of wine for mulling. The added spices and flavors in mulled wine will overpower the wine's nuances, so splurging on an expensive bottle is a waste.
• Instead, opt for a budget-friendly wine that still offers good quality and flavor.

2. Bold, Fruity Flavors

• Choose a wine with bold, fruity flavors to complement the spices and other ingredients you'll be using in your mulled wine.
• Wines with a good amount of fruitiness have enough character to stand up to the strong spices and won't taste bland or diluted when heated with the additional ingredients.

3. Low to Moderate Tannins

• Wines with high tannin levels can become bitter or astringent when heated, so choose a wine with low to moderate tannins.
• Red wines with softer, smoother tannins will contribute to a more pleasant mouthfeel and allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.

Recommended Wine Styles for Mulled Wine

Taking these factors into consideration, the following styles of wine are excellent options for making mulled wine:

1. Zinfandel

Zinfandel offers an array of fruit-forward flavors such as jammy raspberry, blackberry, and cherry. With its medium tannins and affordable price point, Zinfandel is ideal for creating a rich, fruity mulled wine that pairs beautifully with the spices.

2. Merlot

Merlot is known for its soft, smooth texture and lush fruit flavors of plum and black currant. Its moderate tannin level makes it an excellent wine for mulling, adding a velvety mouthfeel and a well-rounded flavor profile to your mulled wine.

3. Grenache

Grenache is a juicy, fruity wine with flavors of ripe red berries and subtle hints of white pepper. Its low tannin levels and relatively high alcohol content make it an exceptional candidate for mulled wine, as it retains its flavors well even when warmed and mingled with added ingredients.

What Wine For Mulled Wine Example:

Imagine a cozy evening at home, snow gently falling outside and a fireplace crackling nearby. You've decided to make mulled wine to warm up and add some festive cheer. You grab your favorite bottle of budget-friendly Zinfandel, a juicy, fruit-forward wine that will blend harmoniously with the spices. Into a pot goes the wine along with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and a touch of honey. The aroma of the simmering mulled wine fills your home with an enchanting fragrance. Your senses are delighted, and you eagerly pour a steaming mug of your creation, then settle down by the fireplace to savor your beautiful, warming mulled wine.

Now you know that finding the perfect wine for mulled wine is simple when you know what to look for. With a budget-friendly bottle, fruity flavors, and gentle tannins, you're all set to create a warm, inviting beverage that will elevate any winter occasion. Don't forget to share this guide with your fellow wine lovers so they too can impress their guests with the perfect mulled wine. And, if you're curious about more wine tips, tricks, and recommendations, be sure to explore the rest of the Black Wine Club blog for all your vinous needs!