When brainstorming cocktails and adult beverages to serve this holiday season, mulled wine frequently is on the menu, and for a good reason. This warmed wine drink features a festive blend of spices and citrus for a drink that's both comforting and mature. The best part is that mulled wine is simple to make at home. All you need is a bottle of red wine, spices of your choice, and a pot to simmer your mixture in. When thinking of the best red wine to use for mulling, there are many things you can consider, such as if you want a sweet or bitter wine, or if you want a wine with more fruit notes.

The red wine you choose can introduce another layer of complex flavors to your dish. In a conversation with Tasting Table, Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis of Bright Cellars shared a few of her preferences. "The flavors in mulled wine are very bold and strong, so feel free to use whatever reds you have on hand, though bolder, fruitier reds such as Malbec, Red Blends, Syrah, and Zinfandel work really well," said Fallis.

You can think of selecting a red wine for mulling the same way you'd choose a red wine for cooking: If you wouldn't drink the wine on its own, you probably shouldn't use it for the recipe. Your favorite red wine works great for mulling -- or you can branch out for something new.

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If you're exploring a new red wine for your mulled preparation, focusing on its tasting notes may elevate the flavor profile in conjunction with the mulled spices. As suggested by Fallis, starting with fruity flavors could be a wise move. Red wines having tasting notes of red and black fruits could highlight the citrus notes of mulled wine while providing a good contrast with the spices. Interestingly, there are certain red wines that already encompass spiced notes. Choosing such a wine that shares tasting notes with the spices you're mulling can emphasize the flavors further, especially if you're a fan of a spicier mulled wine.

Another unique tasting note you can experiment with is vanilla. The usage of vanilla pods in some mulled wine recipes contributes a comforting, festive aroma to the mix. Specific wines such as Malbec, Zinfandel, and Marsala contain vanilla tasting notes. If a sweeter taste to your mulled wines is your preference, focusing on the vanilla note can elevate your beverage's taste. The excitement is in trying different red wines to find your perfect blend, potentially leading to your own new annual holiday tradition.

Take a look at the original article on Tasting Table for more details.