The Best Red Wine for Mulled Wine — A Simple Pairing Guide | Mulled Beverages
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From the bold flavours of Shiraz to the smooth notes of a Malbec, there are countless red wines to choose from. But finding the perfect match for mulled wine doesn't have to be complicated.
Here's everything you need to know — whether you're a seasoned mulled wine aficionado or picking up a bottle for the very first time.
The Golden Rule — You Don't Need to Spend Much
One of the best things about mulled wine is that you genuinely don't need an expensive bottle. The spices do a lot of the heavy lifting, and a $10–$20 wine will produce a delicious result. Save the good stuff for another occasion.
What matters far more than price is the style of the wine.
What to Look For
Go for wines with:
- Fruit-forward flavours — dark berries, plum, cherry, jam notes
- Soft, gentle spice characteristics
- Low to medium tannins
- A touch of natural sweetness
Avoid wines that are:
- Sharp or overly bitter
- Heavily oaked
- High in strong tannins — these can become more pronounced when heated and overwhelm the spices
As a broad rule of thumb, wines with fruit, spice and sweet notes will do perfectly every time.
The Best Red Wine Varieties for Mulled Wine
Shiraz Bold, full-bodied and packed with dark fruit — Shiraz is the natural choice for mulled wine, especially Australian Shiraz. Its inherent spice notes complement the cinnamon and clove beautifully. A bolder Shiraz will produce a richer, more robust mulled wine.
Merlot Softer and more delicate than Shiraz, a light and fruity Merlot provides a beautiful platform for the mulling spices. If you prefer a gentler, more approachable mulled wine, Merlot is your best bet.
Malbec Smooth, plummy and easy drinking — Malbec works wonderfully for mulling. Its dark fruit characteristics and soft tannins make it a very forgiving choice.
Tempranillo An underrated option that mulls beautifully. Easy to drink, with lovely cherry and spice notes that complement the blend perfectly.
Sangiovese Light, fruity and very easy drinking — Sangiovese produces a lighter, more delicate mulled wine that's perfect if you prefer something a little less full-on.
For specific bottle recommendations at every price point, see our Best Red Wine for Mulled Wine — Full Pairing Guide.
Our Favourite Picks
These are the bottles we reach for most often — tried, tested and genuinely delicious with our spice blend.
🍷 McWilliams Samphire Shiraz — ~$19
Our go-to recommendation and wine partner. Smooth and approachable with beautiful jam fruit notes — strawberry, dark berry — and soft tannins that let the spices shine. This is the bottle we use when developing our blends and it never disappoints. Available exclusively at Dan Murphy's.
🍷 Calabria Family Wines Montepulciano — ~$20
Attractive blackcurrant and dark cherry aromas that combine beautifully with our spice blend. A slightly more complex option that rewards a longer infusion time. Available at most major bottle shops across Australia.
🍷 Yellow Tail Shiraz — ~$10
Proof that great mulled wine doesn't require a big spend. This approachable Shiraz pairs nicely and is our top pick when you want delicious results on a budget.
🍷 Edenvale Alcohol Removed Shiraz — ~$8
Don't drink alcohol? No problem at all. A good zero-alcohol Shiraz produces genuinely delicious mulled wine — all the warmth and spice, none of the alcohol. This is our favourite alcohol-free pick and it works exactly the same way as the regular version.
A Note on Mulled Cider Pairings
If wine isn't your thing, mulled cider is a brilliant alternative. A sweet apple or pear cider works best — the natural sweetness balances beautifully with the spices. If you only have a dry cider on hand, just add 2–3 teaspoons of brown sugar to compensate.
For a delicious non-alcoholic version, try sparkling apple juice — it's so good and completely work friendly!
Our Mulled Cider Spiced Bags are blended specifically for cider if you want to give it a try.
Ready to Start Mulling?
Now that you know what to look for, the only thing left is to start testing these pairings out for yourself. Grab a bottle, grab a Mulled Wine Spiced Bag, and get mulling.
Not sure how to heat it? Check out our guide to 3 ways to heat mulled wine at home.
Enjoy! 🍷
Share your favourite pairings with us on Instagram @mulledbeverages