Ever Wonder? What is Mulled Wine?

During the winter months and the holidays, mulled wine is a very popular drink, especially in European countries. Partly by tradition and partly because it's a warm drink that is enjoyed on cold evenings.  There are many names for mulled wine including Glögg in Sweden, Vin Chaud in France, and Glühwein in Germany.

A quick check of Webster's Dictionary shows that the word 'mull' can mean to mix thoroughly, or to heat, sweeten and flavor with spices. This is exactly why this drink is called mulled wine. It's a heated mixture that can be sweetened and flavored with spices.

There are no standard recipes for mulled wine but there are a lot of common ingredients. 

Most mulled wines start with red wine. You can find examples of white and even rosé mulled wines, but a red wine base is most common.  There is no best red wine to use, but any inexpensive bottle of a full-bodied, fruity, bold and tannic wine will do.  Examples might include Syrah, Malbec, Zinfandel, Grenache or Merlot. Even a red blend would work nicely.

Next, mulled wine includes spices. Common spices include clove, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and ginger. Even vanilla shows up in some recipes.

Next, fruit is added.  Common fruits include orange, apple, figs, and raisins.  You can also sweeten your mulled wine with sugar or honey.

Then, some mulled wines are given an extra kick with the addition of vodka, brandy, rum, Cognac, sherry or aquavit. Other recipes will include hard cider, Madeira wine, and even Port.

Finally, all these ingredients get mixed together and heated to about 140-150 degrees F (60-70 C). You just want to avoid boiling since that will cause the alcohol to evaporate. Serve your mulled wine in a sturdy glass meant for hot liquids, or a mug. Then, you'll get to enjoy a warm, comforting drink during the holidays and during those cold winter evenings. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Amrita Cellars Pinot Noir

Amrita Cellars is a small boutique winery that began with its 2017 production of three barrels and 75 cases. It remains small with limited productions in order to focus on producing the best. Amrita Cellars works with the best growers and ultimately the best grapevines. They partner with family-owned wine growers that have been using renewable and sustainable farming practices for many generations to ensure viability.

2017 Amrita Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($35)

The Amrita Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is produced from 100% Pinot Noir that was aged for 11 months in oak. The wine is pale ruby in color with pink edges. With the aroma, you are first introduced to the fragrance of earth tones of black mushroom and fruit jam. It is light on the palate with pronounced earthiness and light tannin.

2018 Amrita Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($40)

The Amrita Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is produced from 100% Pinot Noir that was aged for 11 months in oak. It is pale ruby in color with pink edges and has earthy aromas along with hints of cherry. On the palate it has the classic delicate flavors of cherry and cranberry.

Amrita Cellars may be relatively new to the game, but these two vintages are just the start for them and indicators of great things to come. Look for these wine on-line at AmritaCellars.com

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Amrita Cellars

Ever Wonder? Should You Decant a Sparkling Wine?

Decanting red wines is somewhat common. Decanting a white wine is less common. But, decanting a sparkling wine? Really?

The answer is again, Yes!

Decanting a sparkling wine may seem a bit unorthodox and even counter-intuitive, but a sparkling wine can actually benefit from decanting.

Before today’s practice of riddling or remuage, Champagnes were decanted in order to leave as much yeast used in the second fermentation (the one that creates the bubbles) behind in the bottle. Otherwise, you’d be pouring cloudy Champagne into a glass. And, nobody wants cloudy Champagne.

Decanting a sparkling wine can also be done to tame the bubbles. Sometimes, the sparkling wine may be extra bubbly, or the consumer may not enjoy a super-bubbly wine. So, decanting can help reduce the level of carbonation so that the drinker can focus more on the flavors than the texture.

To decant a sparkling wine, slowly transfer of the wine to the decanter by pouring down the side instead of directly in to the center of the decanter. Then, give it a short bit of time - 15 to 30 minutes max. It’s then ready to serve!

So, next time you open a bottle of sparkling wine, try decanting it and see what you think. It just may become a habit! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Primus The Blend

2018 Primus “The Blend” ($18.99)

Primus is a leading brand in the Chilean premium segment and a fine example of Chilean quality capabilities. The name Primus is Latin and means “the first” or “the first among its peers”, and for good reason. The winery was founded more than 20 years ago by Agustin Hunneus. It was truly a pioneering brand as the first blend of the signature red grapes of Chile: Cabernet and Carmenere. Today, The Blend is still the standard bearer for Primus.

The fruit for this wine is selected from organic vineyards in the most renowned areas in Chile for red varieties: Marchigue, a sub-region Colchagua, and Maipo.

The Blend is produced from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carménère, 10% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is aged for 12 months in 66% French oak barrels.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is the basis for The Blend and provides the structure, while Carménère delivers density and smoothness, which complements the black fruit and spices of the Syrah. The Cabernet Franc adds elegance and persistence combined with the soft and complex finish of the Petit Verdot.

The Blend is medium ruby in color with delicate aromatic notes of black fruits. On the palate it is medium-bodied with moderate tannin and balanced acidity. It has peppery notes along with black cherry and a light finish.

The Blend by Primus is a really nice wine that is affordable and attainable, making it a perfect fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of Week. Look for this one!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Ever Wonder? Should You Decant a White Wine?

When one thinks about decanting a wine, usually it’s a red wine. Decanting a red wine is generally done for several reasons including allowing any trapped off-smelling odors to quickly dissipate, allowing the wine to “open up” to reveal greater character and to help soften its tannin. But, decanting a white wine? Should it be done? The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Just like red wines, white wines too can have off-odors and the simple act of pouring the wine into a decanter will quickly deal with those issues.

White wines are generally released to market earlier than red wines. But, this can result in a white wine being “closed” in its aromas and flavors. Again, simply pouring it into a decanter can quickly help to “open up” the wine so as to allow for greater aromas and flavors.

Another benefit of decanting a white wine is for temperature control. If the white wine has been stored in a standard refrigerator, it’s a bit too cold to be able to release its aromas and exhibit all of its flavors. So, pouring a white wine into a decanter will allow it to quickly come to the ideal drinking temperature of 45 to 55 degrees F. Also, if the wine is room temperature and you’d like to quickly put a slight chill on it, you’ll find that the thinner walls of a decanter will allow the wine to more quickly chill in a large bucket of ice or in the fridge.

While decanting a red wine can take 1 to 2 hours, decanting a white wine is quick — 15 minutes or less will generally do the job.

There is one caution regarding decanting white wine. If you pull the cork and discover that your white wine has oxidized (e.g., has changed to a dark golden color with some orange or brown color notes) decanting won’t help. It’s already seen too much oxygen in the bottle and giving it further oxygen will only make it worse.

Next time we’ll look at decanting sparkling wines. Yes, even sparkling wines can benefit from decanting! Until then, Cheers!