When it comes to creating a delicious and warming spiced wine, choosing the right wine plays a significant role. The selection of wine can enhance the flavors and provide a delightful base for your spiced wine concoction. Let’s explore some of the best wine options that will help elevate your spiced wine experience.
Grenache: Bright and Fresh
Grenache, with its bright and fresh profile, is an excellent choice for spiced wine. Known for its red fruit flavors and juicy character, Grenache beautifully complements the warm spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Its medium body and smooth tannins ensure a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience.
Tempranillo: Aromatic and Spicy
Another fantastic option for spiced wine is Tempranillo. With its aromatic and spicy nature, this red wine variety embraces the warm spices used in spiced wine recipes. Its bold flavors and firm structure provide a solid foundation for the infusion of spices, resulting in a rich and flavorful beverage.
Sangiovese: Earthy and Elegant
Sangiovese, with its earthy and elegant characteristics, is a wonderful choice for spiced wine enthusiasts. This Italian red wine variety offers a perfect balance of acidity and fruitiness, complementing the warm spices with finesse. Its versatility makes it an ideal partner for creating a spiced wine that is both sophisticated and rustic.
Fruit-Forward Pinot Noir: Aromatic Delight
For those who prefer a fruit-forward spiced wine, Pinot Noir is a delightful option. Known for its aromatic and smooth qualities, Pinot Noir lends itself well to the infusion of spices. Its bright fruit flavors, often reminiscent of cherries and berries, bring a pleasant sweetness to the spiced wine, enhancing the overall experience.

Inexpensive Bordeaux: Traditional Choice
In William Shakespeare’s day, claret, a type of Bordeaux wine, was a traditional choice for British mulled wine. Even today, inexpensive Bordeaux wines continue to be an excellent option for spiced wine. Bordeaux wines often blend various grape varieties, resulting in a complex and robust flavor profile that pairs exceedingly well with the warmth of spices.
Ultimately, the choice of wine for spiced wine depends on your personal preferences. Whether you opt for a bright and fresh Grenache, an aromatic and spicy Tempranillo, an earthy and elegant Sangiovese, a fruit-forward Pinot Noir, or a traditional Bordeaux, the key is to select a wine that enhances the spiced flavors and offers a delightful drinking experience.
So, the next time you decide to indulge in the warmth and comfort of spiced wine, consider the characteristics of these wine varieties and choose the one that aligns with your taste buds. Happy spiced wine making!