As we embrace the warmth and coziness of 2024, nothing complements a chilly evening better than a delightful mug of mulled wine. This traditional beverage, steeped in spices and warmth, has been celebrated for centuries. To ensure your mulled wine is spectacular, choosing the right base is paramount. Here’s our list of the 8 best wines to make your mulled concoction a hit:

1. Alamos Malbec – Argentina’s gem, this Malbec offers robust flavors with a smooth finish making it a perfect candidate for mulling. Its ripe fruit notes blend beautifully with traditional spices without being overpowered.

2. Ravenswood Zinfandel – A Zinfandel with bold berry notes and a hint of spice can stand up to mulling without losing its character. The Ravenswood Zinfandel from California has just the right structure for a well-rounded mulled wine.

3. Bogle Merlot – Cherished for its lush and velvety texture, Bogle Merlot’s hints of cherry and soft tannins create an excellent foundation for a silky, spiced mulled wine that’s sure to delight.

4. Château Ste. Michelle Riesling – For those who prefer a sweeter touch to their mulled wine, the apple and pear notes of this Washington Riesling contribute to a lighter but flavorful base that melds seamlessly with cinnamon and cloves.

5. Côtes du Rhône Villages – French wines are renowned for their balance, and a Grenache-based Côtes du Rhône offers the perfect combination of fruit and spice that can elevate any mulled wine recipe.

6. Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir – Pinot Noir is known for being fruitful and light-bodied which makes it an ideal choice if you love your mulled wine aromatic but not too heavy. The Cono Sur Bicicleta from Chile marries red berry flavors with the complexity needed for mulling.

7. Taylor’s Select Reserve Port – A dash of port can add depth and sweetness to your mulled wine; Taylor’s Select Reserve strikes the delicate balance between ripe fruit profiles and rich texture, making it an exquisite addition to your pot.

8. Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet – This Australian blend brings together spicy Shiraz with Cabernet’s structure creating an opulent yet balanced base for those seeking intensity in their mulled beverage.

When creating your mulled masterpiece in 2024, experimenting with these wines could find you crafting a concoction that not only warms the body but entices the palate with every sip. Remember to combine your chosen wine with quality spices and maybe even a splash of brandy or liqueur for that extra dimension of flavor that defines the finest mulled wines on cold winter nights.