Winter, when the cold intensifies, is the season to enjoy wine slowly in a warm room. Especially during this time, hot wine, which warms the body, becomes a beloved drink.
This time, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" has carefully selected Japanese wines to enjoy as hot wine. This winter, indulge in a slightly luxurious hot wine with Japanese wine. Along with basic knowledge of hot wine, we will introduce recommended Japanese wines.
All About Hot Wine
As the outside temperature drops, warm drinks become comforting. Hot wine, made by warming wine with spices and fruits, is a winter tradition with complex flavors. Here, we introduce various things you should know about hot wine.
History of Hot Wine
In Japan, hot wine often brings to mind German-style Christmas markets. The origin of hot wine is unclear, but it is believed that in ancient Greece, leftover wine was warmed with spices. The earliest record of heating wine with spices dates back to around the 2nd century BC, spreading throughout Europe.
Also, ancient Romans developed hot wine called "Conditum Paradoxum" with their own recipe, which has been passed down to this day. Later, hot wine spread throughout medieval Europe and became a popular drink during the Victorian era holiday season, becoming a common alcoholic beverage.
Hot wine is a familiar way to enjoy wine, known as "Glühwein" in Germany, "Vin Chaud" in France, and "Mulled Wine" in the UK, with different names depending on the country.
Nowadays, hot wine is freely enjoyed with various recipes, mixing orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, wine, and sometimes port wine or brandy, simmered together.
Types of Hot Wine
Even though we say hot wine, there are various types. Generally, hot wine is imagined as red wine warmed with fruit and spices, but the base wine is not limited to red wine. Let’s introduce the main types of hot wine below.
Red Wine Hot Wine
The classic hot wine many imagine is based on red wine. You can enjoy the traditional Christmas market hot wine made with rich red wine, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and other spices.
White Wine Hot Wine
Hot wines based on white wines like Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are also popular. They are often flavored with ginger, cardamom, and lemon peel, resulting in a light, spicy, and refreshing hot wine.
Rosé Wine Hot Wine
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your usual hot wine, those based on rosé wine are also recommended. For example, a rosé hot wine proposed by a rosé wine maker in Provence, France, includes gin, pink grapefruit juice, syrup, pink grapefruit slices, and cocktail liqueur peach bitters. Also, whether the base wine is sweet or dry will affect the recipe. Why not enjoy your own hot wine with various recipes?
CWS Recommendations! Two Japanese Wines to Enjoy as Hot Wine!
When making hot wine, there are two ways: warming a pre-made recipe or freely creating and enjoying your own recipe.
At "CRAFT WINE SHOP," we have prepared two Japanese wines: one that allows you to easily enjoy hot wine and another for making authentic hot wine yourself.
Please choose your favorite item.
Sansan Winery / Craft Sangria Sol
Produced by Sansan Winery in Nagano Prefecture, this wine can be enjoyed like a cocktail. It is a slightly sweet wine mainly made from the Concord grape, which accounts for 98% of Nagano's production, flavored with orange peel and coriander seed. With an alcohol content of 9.5%, it offers a sweet tropical taste and a subtle bitterness that creates a sophisticated flavor, perfect even for wine beginners. While it’s also recommended with soda, hot wine is especially recommended in winter. Simply warming it moderately allows you to enjoy an authentic taste. Try a slightly luxurious hot wine made with Japanese wine.
Alps Wine / Fox Village Hidamari no Ajiron
Alps Wine has gained overwhelming support from Japanese wine fans. This sweet wine made from Ajirondack, known for its floral notes, fruity sweetness, and delicate acidity, features mild tannins and a rich fruitiness that fills the mouth.
A bit indulgent, but hot wine made with "Fox Village Hidamari no Ajiron" is also recommended. Based on wines like "Fox Village Hidamari no Ajiron" and Muscat Bailey A mixed with water, plus orange juice, honey, and vergeoise sugar.
Furthermore, add sweetness with granulated sugar or honey, and finish by adding citrus peels like orange or lemon, and your preferred spices such as anise or cinnamon sticks.
Besides the above, why not enjoy a luxurious hot wine by adding your favorite citrus fruits and spices?
Alps Wine / Fox Village Hidamari no Ajiron
2,200 yen (tax included)
More details about the wine here
Summary
Hot wine is a charming drink that warms both body and soul. Not only during the Christmas season but also as a companion for the cold season ahead, why not try various recipes?
By the way, hot wine is a drink with a good balance of sweetness, spices, and fruitiness, making it an excellent match with chocolate, light snacks, or cheese fondue.
Why not enjoy not only hot wine but also pairing it with food?
