As the weather cools and holiday festivities approach, mulled wine becomes a staple at restaurants looking to offer their guests a warm, comforting drink. Selecting the right red wine is key to crafting the perfect mulled wine—one that enhances the traditional spices and creates a memorable experience. In this guide, the Sommeliers Choice Awards explores some of the best red wines that will elevate your mulled wine offerings, ensuring that each sip is a cozy celebration of flavor. 

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Zilzie Victoria Shiraz

This award-winning Zilzie 2023 Victoria Shiraz is a standout choice for crafting mulled wine, thanks to its luscious balance of juicy plum, dark berries, and warming winter spice. Notes of chocolate, leather, and subtle oak create a rich complexity that pairs beautifully with traditional mulling spices. The co-fermentation with Viognier enhances its vibrant aroma of dark cherry and mulberry while delivering a smooth palate of supple tannins and toasty oak. Aged for 10 months in French and American oak, this Shiraz offers depth and velvety texture, making it a perfect base for mulled wine that’s as indulgent as it is inviting.

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Image: Zilzie 2023 Victoria Shiraz

The Soldier Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2019 The Soldier Cabernet Sauvignon is a stellar choice for mulled wine, combining bold structure with layered complexity. Aromas of black plum, currant, and cherry are enhanced by notes of violet, orange rind, leather, and warm spices like clove and vanilla—perfect companions for traditional mulled wine ingredients. On the palate, rich flavors of cassis, plum, cedar, and toasted oak shine, with a harmonious balance of acidity and alcohol. Crafted with meticulous care from top Columbia Valley vineyards, this wine’s depth and 24-month aging on French and American oak deliver a robust, full-bodied base ideal for a comforting holiday brew.

Image: 2019 The Soldier Cabernet Sauvignon

Raymond Napa Valley Reserve Merlot

The 2021 Raymond Napa Valley Reserve Merlot is a fantastic option for mulled wine, offering a rich, deep profile that stands out in any holiday brew. Aromas of dark plum, blackberry, and black cherry are complemented by a hint of rose petal, inviting a warm and aromatic experience. On the palate, it delivers silky smooth textures with layers of chocolate, espresso, and spice cake, making it the perfect base for a mulled wine that’s both indulgent and balanced. Aged in French oak, this Merlot brings depth and concentration, creating a full-bodied, luxurious mulled wine that’s sure to impress.

Image: Raymond Napa Valley Reserve Merlot

Soliterra Garnatxa Negra

Soliterra Garnatxa Negra is a vibrant choice for mulled wine, with its deep ruby red color and enticing aromas of cherries and raspberries. On the palate, it offers an elegant structure with hints of vanilla and licorice, adding layers of complexity and distinct character. The finish is long-lasting, with lingering notes of ripe fruits and soft spices. This Garnatxa Negra’s balance of fruit-forward flavors and subtle spice makes it a great option for creating a rich, flavorful mulled wine that will captivate your guests with its warmth and depth.

Image: Soliterra Garnatxa Negra

Château de Pierreux Brouilly

The 2021 Château de Pierreux Brouilly, made entirely from Gamay, is an exceptional choice for mulled wine. Its deep purple hue is accompanied by delicate aromas of black fruits, floral notes, and subtle spices, while the palate offers a balanced mix of blackcurrant and peony. The smooth, silky tannins and minerality bring elegance to this wine, ideal for crafting a warm, inviting mulled wine. Aged for 6 months in oak, it provides a rich, structured base, perfect for infusing traditional mulling spices. While it can be enjoyed young, its potential for aging makes it a versatile option for winter menus.

Also read: Here's How French Wine Importers are Bringing the Best of France to American Shores

Image: Château de Pierreux Brouilly

Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel

The Zinfandel from Napa Valley’s Grgich Hills Estate is an excellent choice for mulled wine, offering a lively and complex flavor profile. This elegant Zinfandel showcases inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, complemented by subtle notes of cranberry and blood orange. On the palate, it is graceful and soft, with mixed red berries and vibrant tannins providing a luscious texture. Balanced with perfectly integrated acidity, it finishes with a spicy kick and a freshness that promises to age beautifully. Sourced from the warmest of the estate’s vineyards, this organic, single-vineyard Zinfandel is a flavorful base for a rich, aromatic mulled wine experience.

Image: Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel

Eruption Red Blend

The 2021 Eruption Red Blend by the Brassfield Estate Winery is a powerful choice for mulled wine, offering a rich and tannic structure. With concentrated aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and dried violet, it provides complexity and depth. The wine’s full-bodied mouthfeel, enhanced by oak spice, is balanced by a juicy, well-rounded finish. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Volcano Ridge, the blend’s intensity and concentrated fruit shine through, making it an ideal base for a bold, flavorful mulled wine. Its layers of fruit and spice will add warmth and depth to any holiday gathering.

Image: 2021 Eruption Red Blend

Invention Vineyards Tempranillo

The 2021 Invention Vineyards Tempranillo is a fantastic choice for mulled wine, offering a unique profile that reflects Texas' terroir. This wine features a harmonious blend of dark and red fruits, complemented by earthy aromas of dried fig and cedarwood. On the palate, it delivers succulent red fruit flavors, brisk acidity, and well-ripened tannins, which contribute to a slightly grippy texture. Its long, fruity finish makes it an excellent base for mulled wine, bringing depth, complexity, and a delightful rustic touch to your holiday drinks.

Image: 2021 Invention Vineyards Tempranillo

Triens

Legado de Orniz’s Triens showcases the power and character of Tinta de Toro with its deep red color and vibrant fruity aromas of raspberries and cherries, accompanied by floral hints of violets. Aged in French oak, it offers delicate notes of vanilla and toast. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively with well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity, making it ideal for mulled wine. Its complexity and persistent finish deliver a warm, inviting character perfect for holiday celebrations.

Image: Triens

La Fête du Rouge

La Fête du Rouge is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, offering an expressive nose with wild strawberry, cherry, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it’s supple, with silky tannins and a finish highlighting black pepper, red fruits, and eucalyptus. Aged in stainless steel and concrete tanks with cold maceration, this wine’s smooth structure and vibrant flavors make it an excellent choice for mulled wine.

Image: La Fête du Rouge

By selecting wines with rich fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and the right complexity, you ensure that each glass of mulled wine enhances the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. Whether it’s a bold Zinfandel or a smooth Merlot, these wines provide the perfect foundation for creating a memorable and festive drink your guests will enjoy throughout the winter months.

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