Choosing the Right Base Wine
The foundation of a great mulled wine lies in selecting the perfect wine to start with.
Your choice will significantly impact the final flavor profile and overall enjoyment of this warm, spiced beverage.
Favorable Red Wines
Red wines are the traditional choice for mulled wine, offering a rich and robust base.
Opt for full-bodied varieties that can stand up to the added spices and sweeteners.
Merlot is an excellent option, providing a smooth texture and plum-like flavors.
Meanwhile, Cabernet Sauvignon brings bold tannins and dark fruit notes.
Zinfandel offers a spicy kick that complements the mulling spices beautifully.
Grenache and Syrah are fantastic choices for their fruit-forward profiles and ability to blend well with aromatics.
Pinot Noir, while lighter, can create a more delicate mulled wine.
When selecting your red, look for affordable bottles in the $10-15 range.
Avoid heavily oaked wines, as they can become bitter when heated.
White Wine and Other Varieties
White wines are less common, but they can create unique and refreshing mulled wines.
Choose a dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a lighter, citrusy version.
These work well with added apple cider or pear nectar.
For a twist, you can use Port as your base.
Its natural sweetness and higher alcohol content create a rich, dessert-like mulled wine.
Mix it with a dry red wine for balance.
Rosé wines can also make interesting mulled wines, offering a fruity and floral profile that pairs nicely with honey and citrus additions.