What wine to use for mulled wine

[BlueOceanWave]

What wine to I go for, to make mulled wine. I have the sachets of mulled wine spices. I used a cabernet savignon from France at the weekend and I wasn't too fond of the results. It was a bit sharp. I definitely has smoother mulled wines before.

Wondering if I change the wine would it be better?
Like a merlot or something else?

I would have thought a cab sav would work but I'd probably use a fairly cheap and cheerful merlot or shiraz. I'm not convinced about the sachets though - I think they're a bit basic. At the very least, toss in an additional cinnamon stick and one or two star anise. I also add a little brandy.

I'd also be inclined to new world wines which tend to often be a bit "heavier"

Cheap red wine. With enough sugar and spices, you won't notice whether the wine is expensive or not. It's nice with some orange juce thrown in too.

I agree with trying your own spices - find a recipe you think you'll like, and play with it. I don't rate the sachets either.

oh yes, sorry, forgot - If I'm doing it using "proper" wine, I add some orange juice (recently I've just been beefing up pre-made mulled wine so had forgotten that). It's essential.

I don't take sugar in any hot drinks but you do need to add sugar to mulled wine otherwise it is rank. I think that is the secret, rather than which wine. I start with a dessert spoon per bottle, taste, add a little more and tasting until I'm happy. Another tip is to put it in a slow cooker once it's hot (if you're not serving it all at once) to keep it warm without over cooking.

Oh, and the mulled wine/mulled cider sachets are a great way of flavouring red cabbage or poached pears without the spices being overbearing.

You need a softer fruity unoaked wine, so not Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, and most New World cheap reds are similarly unsuitable as they’re pretty abrasive and usually chock full of oak.

Obviously go for cheap wines. Anything on the shelf described as an “easy drinker” or “fruit driven/fruity” will be ok.

Montepulciano is good (“classic pizza wine”) and cheap. Rioja often works. Beaujolais can be cheap too.

ALL THE WINE. Mulled wine is the only alcohol I drink. LOVE IT!

If you want a good recipe, my friend put me onto this Jamie Oliver one. You make an infused syrup then mix in the wine. Sooo good! Just don't do what I did the first time and keep warming it up - I burned off all the alcohol!

www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/jamie-s-mulled-wine/