The Best Bottles of Red Wines for Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a holiday staple across Europe. The warming spiced beverage conjures images of festive Christmas markets packed with people enjoying steaming mugs of cheer. 

Delivering this traditional taste of the holidays to your home is easier than you may think. You’ll just need a bottle of wine, spices, citrus peels, and sugar. The choice of wine may be the most important part of this equation. Luckily, we’ve consulted with wine pros to reveal the wine styles that work best. 

Martin Jezek, wine director at Corinthia London, known for its holiday mulled wine, says that approachable, medium- to full-bodied reds are ideal. “Usually, grape varieties that show an abundance of fruit with a generous palate are best,” he says. 

Zinfandel from the U.S., Grenache from Spain or southern France, or Merlot or Shiraz from Australia, all work well in mulled wine, he says.

Giulia Dwight, beverage manager at New York City’s Cucina Alba, agrees. “Use something dry, fruity, and fuller-bodied,” she says. “But, the most important thing is to not spend too much money on the bottle.” 

Jezek says to avoid wines with age. The fruit-forward notes found in younger wines are ideal for mulled wine recipes. “Look for youthful wines that are less likely to be aged in oak and preferably originating from warmer climates, so you get a good fruit profile with enough structure,” he says. 

Dwight suggests to steer clear of high-tannin reds, which likely won’t mesh as well with the mulled wine’s other ingredients. 

Once the bottle is selected, consider your other recipe options. Jezek emphasizes fresh citrus peel, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves as standard additions. His secret sauce, however, is Ruby Port. “I like to add a little bit of it, as it brings more sweetness to the wine, as well as a bit of weight and body,” he says. 

For a simple prep hack, Dwight suggests using a spice bag to submerge all of the ingredients together. This makes for easy removal once they’ve steeped. “Keep the temperature low, so you don’t over-extract any of the ingredients,” she says.  

Though it may not seem like a standard food pairing, mulled wine is excellent with a variety of seasonal snacks. Jezek suggests soft cheeses for an interesting, savory-meets-sweet pairing. Dwight recommends chestnuts, aged cheeses with nutty flavors, and spiced holiday cookies. 

Most importantly, mulled wine is a joyful beverage meant to be savored with loved ones. 

“I believe it is best enjoyed in the company of your family or good friends during the festive period, whether outdoors or indoors,” says Jezek. Dwight describes mulled wine as the perfect beverage for a lazy stroll through a holiday market, or while simply enjoying the fresh air in your backyard on a cold winter day.

Recommended bottles

When seeking out a bottle for mulled wine, choose something youthful, medium- to full-bodied, and characterized by pronounced fruit-forward flavors and soft tannins.

Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel ($22) 

This bottle is a steal for the price. Crafted from sustainably farmed fruit at the hands of one of Sonoma’s most influential families, this budget-friendly wine is all things black cherry, jammy strawberry, and vanilla. Save a pour of this to enjoy on its own, and sip it while you whip up your mulled wine.

Bonterra Zinfandel ($16)

Made from organically farmed fruit sourced across California’s Mendocino County, this approachable, easy-drinking red possesses classic Zinfandel flavors of blueberry compote, raspberry, and sweet spice.

Frey Organic Merlot ($20)

Produced at the Frey’s namesake, family-owned ranch in Redwood, California, this Merlot is made from organic grapes and offers flavors of blackberry jam, plum, cassis, and cedar.

Emiliana Natura Merlot ($13)

Made from organically farmed Merlot in Chile, this varietal wine shows plush flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and plum. It was aged 20% in oak, which brings a pleasant touch of sweet spice without an overpowering influence.

Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha ($18)

Produced in Campo de Borja (Aragon, Spain), this 100% Grenache is noted with jammy flavors of cherry, blackberry, and toasted spices.

Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Villages Grenache-Syrah blend ($14)

This Grenache-Syrah blend was crafted at the hands of one of the Rhône Valley’s most famous names. It’s made from organically farmed, destemmed fruit and is aged in a combination of used oak and stainless steel. Notes of black fruits, pepper, and spice lead to a silky, velvet-like finish.