Revamp Your Mulled Wine Game This Season
Ah, mulled wine — or vin chaud as they know it in France. That winter classic everyone loves to judge as much as sip. Let’s address the elephant in the room: we know that many people think of mulled wine as a “wine crime”, or a way to mask mediocre bottles with sugar and spices. But here’s the twist — if you start with exceptional wines (hello, Domaine Des Jeanne), mulled wine can be the star of your holiday spread, not just an afterthought.
Let’s take your mulled wine game from “meh” to magnificent with these creative recipes for red, white, and even sparkling variations.
1. A fresh take on the classic red
Start with a bottle of JJ Prestige Rouge. This Grenache and Syrah blend is begging to warm your bones with its bold flavours and velvety finish. Then, jazz it up with a few unexpected twists:
- Rosemary for a woodsy, aromatic vibe.
- Cardamom pods for a hint of spice that whispers rather than shouts.
- Cranberries for a tangy, festive pop (bonus points for looking pretty in the glass).
Of course, you’ll want the usual suspects — cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices — to anchor the flavour. The result? A mulled red wine that tastes as elegant as it looks.
2. Dreaming of a white (wine) Christmas
Who said mulled wine has to be red? Enter JJ Blanc, Domaine Des Jeanne’s citrusy, floral white wine with a Rhone Valley pedigree. This one’s all about delicate flavours and unexpected additions:
- Swap sugar for honey, because we’re keeping it classy.
- Add slices of pear for sweetness.
- A hint of lemongrass takes the whole thing up a notch, playing off the wine’s natural citrus notes.
Heat it gently with vanilla and white pepper, and voilà — a drink that’ll have your guests wondering why they never tried mulled white wine before.
3. Why not add a little sparkle?
Ready to really impress? Say hello to mulled sparkling wine, starring JJ Bulle Blanche. Yes, sparkling wine can go mulled, and it’s a total game-changer. The trick is to keep those bubbles alive:
- Warm up some spiced apple cider (think star anise, cinnamon, cloves) separately.
- Pour your sparkling wine into glasses, then top with a splash of the hot cider.
- Finish with pomegranate seeds for a festive garnish that adds a hint of tartness.
Perfect for New Year’s toasts or anytime you want to bring a little sparkle to a wintery celebration!
Mulled wine actually dates back to ancient Rome. The Romans of old spiced and heated wine to stay warm in winter, and the tradition stuck, evolving into the cosy drink we know today. Over centuries, the idea spread across Europe, with each region putting its unique spin on the drink. Today, mulled wine has become an enduring festive favourite, blending warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of the unexpected in every glass.
So, is it true that mulled wine is just a way to salvage lousy wine? Absolutely not — especially when you use premium bottles like those from Domaine Des Jeanne. We think it’s a way to celebrate wine in a new, creative light. So grab your spices, pour yourself a glass, and toast to tradition — with a twist, of course.