Let's eat !

Which wine to use to make mulled wine?

2520 Views Posted on: 2024-05-28
 

A staple of European winters, mulled wine is a comforting hot drink, perfect for sharing cozy moments with family or friends. Traditionally enjoyed at Christmas markets, this spiced, cinnamon-scented beverage delights with its warm aromas and sweet finish. While the traditional recipe is simple, choosing the right wine is key to crafting a delicious homemade mulled wine.

Mulled Wine: A Drink with Ancient Origins

Mulled wine is far from a modern invention. It was already appreciated in ancient times and considered an aristocratic drink in some cultures. The first traces date back to the Roman Empire, where people drank conditum paradoxum, a sweet, spiced wine served warm and believed to have health benefits. The tradition has been preserved across Europe, with regional versions such as "Glühwein" in Germany or "Glögg" in Scandinavia. Still very popular in France, especially in Alsace, mulled wine remains the go-to drink for winter festivities and Christmas markets.

Which Red Wine to Choose for Mulled Wine?

Mulled wine is a recipe where wine is heated with a bit of sugar, infused with spices, and slices of oranges. Choosing the right wine ensures the success of your homemade mulled wine. In this recipe, the wine brings an intense fruity taste, so we recommend choosing a young wine with red fruit aromas. Opt for a round wine, as heat enhances the wine’s astringency.

For your mulled wine, choose a generous and indulgent red wine. Go for an appellation with a slight power to achieve a harmonious result with the taste of the spices. You can select a red wine from a RhĂ´ne Valley estate, such as a CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne appellation. Wines from Languedoc-Roussillon are also perfect for making this winter drink. Finally, you can choose a Beaujolais cru with intense fruity notes or a Bordeaux wine without barrel aging to create your mulled wine recipe.

To make a successful mulled wine, avoid highly structured, tannic, or concentrated red wines that could overpower the taste of the fruit and spices and unbalance the recipe. Older vintages, more than 5 years old, should also be avoided as they have lost their fruity aromas.

Which White Wine to Choose for an Original Mulled Wine?

If you want to create an original mulled wine, opt for a white wine recipe that will surprise all your guests. In this case, choose a sweet white wine. Favor the Alsace region with the Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris appellations to make a round and aromatic mulled wine. You can also use a sweet or semi-sweet white wine such as a Sauternes or a Muscat. This type of wine brings roundness to your recipe.

How to Sweeten Your Mulled Wine

Sugar quantity plays a major role in balancing the recipe. Generally, between 80 and 100 grams per bottle is recommended, depending on the sweetness of the wine. If you’re using a semi-sweet or sweet wine, reduce the sugar accordingly.

Unrefined cane sugar or honey is preferred for a warm, natural touch. Avoid white sugar, which can flatten the flavors. Some people also add grape juice to intensify sweetness and highlight the fruit aromas.

Which Spices to Use in Mulled Wine?

A successful mulled wine is all about a careful blend of spices. The most common include:

  • Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon for warmth and spice
  • Star anise for a hint of licorice
  • Cloves for a strong, aromatic touch
  • Ginger or cardamom for a subtle kick

You can also get creative with citrus zest, tonka bean, or even a splash of blueberry liqueur for added character. Some recipes also include a base of fruit liqueur or a shot of spirits.

How to Make Christmas Mulled Wine?

The mulled wine recipe is very easy to make at home and always follows the same principles: the wine is gently heated with spices and sugar. Once the wine simmers, it is left to infuse and then strained.

Depending on your taste and the recipe, you can add more or less sugar to your mulled wine. It is also possible to add various spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom, ginger, tonka bean, nutmeg. Finally, in some versions, one or two tablespoons of strong alcohol such as Cointreau, rum, gin, or vodka are added.

Here’s how to make Christmas mulled wine:

  1. Pour a bottle of red or white wine into a saucepan.
  2. Add 100 g of sugar.
  3. Add spices: 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 2 cloves, and citrus zest (orange or lemon).
  4. Bring to a simmer and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
  5. Turn off the heat and let it infuse, covered, for at least half an hour.
  6. Before serving, remember to gently reheat your mulled wine.

On Avenue des Vins, we offer a selection of wines to accompany your Christmas recipes and to give as gifts to your loved ones during the holiday season. Red wine, white wine, or champagne, discover all our appellations directly from the wineries and estates.