10 Best Wines For Mulled Wine

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10 Best Wines For Mulled Wine

As the weather turns cooler and the nights draw in, few things are as comforting as a warm, aromatic mug of mulled wine. This spiced beverage is a staple of holiday markets and cozy evenings, filling the air with the scent of cinnamon, cloves and citrus peel. But to make a truly exceptional batch, you must start with the right foundation—the wine! This guide will help you find the best wine for mulled wine and learn why each choice works so well with traditional mulling spices.

What Makes a Great Wine for Mulled Wine?

Choosing a wine for mulling isn’t about picking the most expensive bottle (or the cheapest either). Instead, it’s about finding a wine with the right structure to support the added spices and flavors. Here are the key characteristics to look for:

Fruit-forward and jammy—Look for wines with bold, ripe fruit flavors. These notes of berry, plum or cherry will stand up to the spices and won't get lost in the mix. The fruitiness provides a beautiful base for the warmth of cinnamon and clove.
Medium tannins and body—A wine with very strong, harsh tannins can become bitter and astringent when heated. Opt for a wine with smooth, medium tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the palate.
Dry to off-dry—You'll be adding sweeteners like sugar, honey or maple syrup, so start with a wine that isn't overly sweet. A dry or off-dry wine gives you full control over the final sweetness level of your mulled wine.
Good value—Since you’ll be adding many other ingredients, save your premium, complex wines for sipping on their own. A good quality, affordable wine is the perfect candidate for mulling.

Grenache

Grenache is a fantastic choice for mulled wine due to its bright red fruit flavors and soft, approachable profile. It often has notes of strawberry, raspberry and a subtle white pepper spice that marries beautifully with mulling spices.

Why it’s great for mulling—Its lower tannin and high fruit concentration create a smooth, juicy base that doesn’t turn bitter.
Tasting notes—Expect a wave of red berries and a hint of cinnamon that gets amplified by the added spices.
Spice it up—Enhance Grenache with star anise, cinnamon sticks and a splash of brandy to deepen the flavor. Garnish with an orange slice.
Our recommendation—Master of Wine Norrel Robertson is a Grenache expert, and his Peña Garnacha is a juicy, red-fruited delight that will fill in admirably as the base of your mulled wine.

Zinfandel

Often considered the best red wine for mulled wine, Zinfandel is bold, jammy and full of character. Its notes of blackberry, cherry and peppery spice make it a natural partner for a mulled wine with festive spices.

Why it’s great for mulling—Zinfandel’s robust and fruit-forward nature ensures it won't be overpowered by strong spices like clove and allspice.
Tasting notes—It creates a rich, velvety mulled wine with a pleasant hint of residual sweetness and a spicy finish.
Spice it up—Complement Zinfandel with classic mulling spices and add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness and a slice of fresh orange for brightness.
Our recommendation—Black Saint Peter is our most popular Zinfandel, loved for its succulent, dark-fruit flavors that will meld deliciously with your mulled wines.

Merlot

Merlot is a reliable and crowd-pleasing option. It offers soft tannins and luscious dark fruit flavors of plum and black cherry, plus a touch of chocolate, creating a smooth and rounded mulled wine.

Why it’s great for mulling—Its supple texture and balanced profile make for an easy-drinking, non-astringent mulled wine that appeals to everyone.
Tasting notes—Merlot provides a velvety, full-bodied base with a hint of herbal complexity that pairs well with savory spices.
Spice it up—Add cinnamon, star anise and a few black peppercorns to highlight Merlot’s subtle savory side. A splash of Cointreau can add a nice orange liqueur kick.
Our recommendation—Cooper Point will do the trick deliciously. This California crowd-pleaser offers rich plum, ripe strawberry and a touch of spice.

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah/Shiraz is a powerful, full-bodied red with deep flavors of dark fruit, black pepper and sometimes a hint of smokiness. This makes for a bold and spicy mulled wine.

Why it’s great for mulling—Its robust structure and peppery notes provide a fantastic backbone for the mulling spices, resulting in a complex and aromatic drink.
Tasting notes—This wine will produce a dark, intense mulled wine with layers of fruit, spice and a savory edge.
Spice it up—Lean into its spicy character with extra cloves, black peppercorns and a bay leaf. A splash of bourbon can add a complementary smoky depth.
Our recommendation—The Black Stump is one of the boldest wines in our cellars, showcasing berry-ripe Shiraz with a dash of chocolatey Durif. It will hold its own with a robust mulled wine recipe.

Tempranillo

A young, fruit-forward Tempranillo (the star grape of Spain’s famed Rioja region) is another excellent candidate. It brings flavors of cherry and plum with a touch of leather and spice when it has been aged in oak barrels.

Why it’s great for mulling—Its savory undertones and balanced structure create a mulled wine with rustic, old-world charm.
Tasting notes—Expect a warming, medium-bodied mulled wine with notes of red fruit and a hint of vanilla.
Spice it up—Pair it with cinnamon, orange peel and a touch of vanilla bean. Add a splash of Spanish brandy for an authentic touch.
Our recommendation—Altos de la Guardia Rioja Tempranillo showcases that trademark vanilla note, supported by rich blackberry and strawberry notes.

Riesling

Widely regarded as the best white wine for mulled wine, off-dry Riesling brings bright fruit, floral aromas and zesty acidity that shine when gently warmed with spices.

Why it’s great for mulling—Its natural sweetness and zesty acidity create a well-balanced mulled wine that’s fragrant, light and easy to enjoy.
Tasting notes—Expect a delicate, aromatic drink with hints of green apple, honey, citrus and warm spices.
Spice it up—Try cloves, star anise, cardamom and a twist of lemon or orange. A dash of elderflower liqueur can enhance the floral notes.
Our recommendation—Green Darner is a slightly sweet Riesling with pear, pineapple and green apple notes. With a little bit of warmth and complex mulled spices, it’s a unique white wine treat for winter.

Quick Tips for Perfect Mulled Wine

Don’t boil it. Never let your mulled wine come to a boil. Simmer it gently over low heat. Boiling will cook off the alcohol and can make the spices turn bitter.
Use whole spices. Whole spices are much better than ground ones. Ground spices will make your mulled wine cloudy and gritty. Use whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
Strain before serving. For a clean, professional presentation, strain the mulled wine through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into mugs to remove all the spices and fruit pieces.
Taste and adjust. Sweeten your mulled wine gradually. Add sugar, honey, or maple syrup in small increments, tasting as you go until you reach your desired sweetness level.
Fortify at the end. If you're adding a fortifying spirit like brandy, rum or bourbon, stir it in just before serving. This preserves its flavor and alcoholic kick.

You’ve Mulled it Over…Time to Enjoy Mulled Wine!

Making mulled wine is a cherished winter ritual, and it all starts with the right bottle. The best wine for mulled wine brings depth, warmth and balance to every sip. Use this guide to choose your base, add your favorite spices and enjoy a cozy, spiced drink that captures the spirit of the season.