A blind taste test of 15 supermarket mulled wines has crowned Waitrose as the winner, with its mulled wine praised for being balanced, not overly sweet, and boasting a high alcohol content of 11 per cent ABV. The test, conducted by a drinks expert with family assistance, evaluated wines based on quality of base wine, sweetness, and festive spice profile.
Asda's mulled wine came a close second, described as the closest to a classic mulled wine with warming cinnamon and nutmeg notes, dark berries, and citrus. It also has an 11 per cent ABV and costs under £5, making it a crowd-pleasing affordable option.
The test also highlighted a rosé mulled wine from the southern French region, which surprised tasters with its summery berry flavours and lack of excessive sweetness. Additionally, a non-alcoholic clementine syrup from Fortnum & Mason was noted as a versatile festive drink that can be added to apple juice, cider, or wine.
The expert emphasised that the best pre-made mulled wines should taste like a decent red wine lightly spiced, avoiding excessive sweetness or artificial flavours. The test included both traditional red wines and innovative white and rosé options, reflecting a trend towards more varied festive tipples.
