Mulled wine

The Warmth of Winter: A Journey Through the World of Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, also known as Glühwein or Glögg, is an essential part of winter traditions in many cultures worldwide. This delicious hot beverage transforms cold winter days into cozy moments of warmth and togetherness. Let us embark on a journey through the world of mulled wine, from its history to the different varieties and preparation methods.

The History of Mulled Wine

The history of mulled wine dates back to ancient Rome. At that time, spiced wine was made from warmed wine, honey, and spices to warm people during the cold months. While the Romans were the pioneers of mulled wine, the tradition later spread in the Middle Ages through European monasteries. The monks found that mulled wine was a perfect way to warm the body in the cold while also preserving wine. Over the centuries, different countries developed their own variations of mulled wine.

Mulled Wine – Year After Year the Punch for Frosty Days

So let's head into the cold season with a mulled wine, red or white, pre-spiced and ready to heat. But be careful: Do not heat over 80 °C. This is so important, we will say it again: Do not heat over 80 °C! Otherwise, the alcohol evaporates and the taste suffers. Mulled wine is essential for cozy winter days and nights and delights both family and friends. So buy mulled wine, heat it (no more than 80 °C), and celebrate a legendary Christmas market.

Taste of Mulled Wine

The taste of a dark red mulled wine traditionally comes from fine red wine, peels of ripe oranges or lemons, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and sugar. Sweet and fruity, with a hint of pastry. Furthermore, creativity knows no bounds. Vanilla, coriander, and mace flowers give mulled wine a fresh kick. White mulled wines made from fine and sweet white wine are also becoming increasingly popular and are just as delicious.

Note: The demand for hot mulled wine is so high that the quality suffers due to the large quantity. Average red wine is mixed with sugar and juice to disguise the lack of quality. However, our offerings of vegan organic mulled wine and winemaker's mulled wine do not contain such additives. At VINELLO, you will find high-quality mulled wines from selected and animal-friendly winemakers.

The Basic Ingredients

The basic ingredients for mulled wine are wine, spices, and often some sweetener. Here are the main components:

1. Wine: Red or white wine forms the base for mulled wine. The variety used depends on personal preference. For example, in Germany, red wine is typically used, while in Scandinavia and the UK, white wine is often preferred.

2. Spices: The spices give mulled wine its characteristic aroma. Commonly used spices include cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger, and orange peels. These spices are added to the hot wine, imparting a spicy, aromatic note.

3. Sweeteners: To make mulled wine a bit sweeter, sugar, honey, or fruit juice can be added. The amount of sweetener can vary according to taste.

Different Varieties of Mulled Wine

There are numerous variants of mulled wine that vary from country to country and even from region to region. Here are some of the most well-known:

1. German Mulled Wine: In Germany, mulled wine is a staple of Christmas markets. Typically, red wine is used, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peels. It is often served with a splash of rum or amaretto.

2. Scandinavian Glögg: Glögg is particularly popular in Sweden and Norway. It typically contains red wine and a mix of spices such as cardamom and cloves. Almonds and raisins are often added, and it is served hot.

3. British Mulled Wine: In the UK, red wine is often used, with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg added. It is also common to mix in orange juice or apple juice for a fruitier flavor.

Tips for Preparing Mulled Wine

When preparing mulled wine, here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Do not use expensive wine: Since the wine is heated and spiced, it is unnecessary to use an expensive wine. An affordable wine typically works just as well.

2. Do not boil: Mulled wine should never boil, as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate and affect the aroma. It should be hot enough to activate the spices.

3. Let it steep: After heating, let the mulled wine steep for a while to fully develop the flavors.

Mulled wine is a drink that warms people's hearts during the cold winter months. Whether you enjoy the German tradition of Christmas markets or sip Glögg in Sweden, mulled wine is an indispensable companion in the cold season, reflecting the history and diversity of cultures.

Red Mulled Wine Recipe

A good mulled wine stands or falls with the choice of wine, after all, it provides the foundation. A dry Pinot Noir or Dornfelder offers us everything we need. For our mulled wine recipe, we are heating the Pinot Noir from the Kilian Hunn winery. Caution: never let it boil!

Additionally, we need:

• 1 organic orange
• 4 tablespoons of blossom honey
• 4 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 1 vanilla pod

So, we heat the wine in a pot to about 78 °C. The wine should never boil – that causes the alcohol to escape and the wine to become bitter.

Now you can add the spices and orange slices to the pot. Remove the pot from the heat and let it steep for 1–2 hours.

Then heat the mulled wine again, taste it, adjust seasoning if necessary, and enjoy.

Have you tried it? Mulled wine is also available in white, rosé, and alcohol-free versions. Check out our VINELLO magazine and discover more delicious recipes.

Our VINELLO Mulled Wine Recommendations and Offers

White Winemaker's Mulled Wine Herrenhaus Feuerzauber 1.0 l - Lergenmüller

The traditional Lergenmüller winery, which produces really great wine along with a mulled wine, enchants the connoisseurs even on cool days. With Feuerzauber, this winery, active for over 400 years, achieves an exceptional white mulled wine with exquisite personality. A taste that is unmatched – but has yet to be found. The winemaker's mulled wine comes ready to drink with a fine sweetness. Also available as red mulled wine. Can also be enjoyed cold.

Red Organic Mulled Wine – Hot Deer

Organic, vegan, delightfully delicious. The Hot Deer is conquering the Christmas markets across the nation and satisfying eager palates and cold hands. Get authentic and tasty red mulled wine from the pack from the Black Forest for your home. Noble Merlot from organic cultivation, refined with selected ingredients and a healthy dose of self-confidence. It will also win over your taste. Pick up the trail – hot deer are in circulation.

For those who do not like mulled wine in liquid form, you can try our recipe for mulled wine cake!

Winemaker's Mulled Wine Offers – Buy Cheap Online

Winter is just around the corner, as are the shivering friends who would certainly not mind a high-quality mulled wine. Discover how noble mulled wine can be, and order your favorite, whether as a single bottle or in a wine package, at VINELLO. Shop safely and benefit from insured and climate-neutral delivery. We will send your bottles securely wherever you want, and offer numerous payment options. Buy mulled wine to your taste and get through the dark season with a sweet quality mulled wine. Or whenever you want. Your choice, your mulled wine, your wine merchant VINELLO.