Mulling over wine on cold winter evenings

Unique, fine wines should be reserved for occasions when they can be enjoyed with deliberate awareness of the unusual pleasure they provide. Save them for a contemplative evening with other wine lovers. If you choose an unsuitable occasion there is the risk that a good wine will be wasted and the occasion itself badly served.

For an evening full of good cheer and bonhomie, however, where the guests know little and care less about a wine’s provenance, mulled wine is the answer. Mulled wine is basically red wine, combined with spices and served hot – ideal for this time of year and a traditional holiday treat in many old world countries.