Nowadays, mulled wine is strongly associated with winter holidays and a sense of comfort. However, this aromatic drink is good at any time of the year. In this article we will talk about which wine is suitable for mulled wine.
Learn all about mulled wine.
The history of spiced wine begins in ancient Rome. In those days, cloves, thyme and honey were added to it, but the drink was not heated. Mulled wine as we know it came much later.
It was only in the Middle Ages, in countries with a cold and damp climate, that “flaming wine” began to be prepared. The drink was drunk to avoid a cold or recover from an illness.
Fundamental rules
Wine for mulled wine should be weak and without a pronounced taste. Well, if it is a young varietal wine. Also, it cannot be defended in a barrel, then mulled wine will not be bitter.
Connoisseurs say that dry and semi-dry wines are best suited for mulled wine. During cooking, sugar or honey is added to mulled wine, so with sweet wines, mulled wine will turn out cloying.
Dessert wines don’t work either. They are not only very sweet, but also quite strong. Mulled wine with dessert wine may have an unpleasant smell of alcohol.
It is much more interesting to regulate the strength and taste of mulled wine by adding spices, fruits and other drinks to it.
11 mulled wine recipes at home.
Red wine mulled wine
What wine is suitable for mulled wine? First of all, a burgundy-colored spicy drink is traditionally presented. For red wine mulled wine, you should not choose famous aged wines.
When heated, young red wines behave differently. They bring out the flavor better when warmed up. An excellent choice would be Cabernet, Merlot, Gamay or Vranac wines.
Mulled white wine
White and red wine have similar components. However, some notes can only be felt in white wines. Therefore, white wine mulled wine is a good alternative to the usual drink.
White wines are sensitive to temperature. They take on a sour taste when heated. Therefore, semi-sweet varieties are often recommended for white wine mulled wine.
For mulled wine, it is customary to use wine that you will not age. However, it is very important to take care of proper storage until the occasion comes to prepare a drink.
Relevance: 20.04.2016
Tags: wine and vermouth