Mulling it over

Historically limited to those of the ruling classes who could afford the spices required, winter (or mulled) wine has had an ardent following throughout the ages.

Some say the tradition began in Homer’s Odyssey, when Circe (a minor yet lascivious goddess) drugged Ulysses’ crew on their homeward journey. She laced wine with drugs and herbs that transformed some of the crew into beasts (usually pigs).

You may remember the mulled wine that Alais prepared for Henry II in the movie The Lion In Winter. Or you may think of The Christmas Carol in which Dickens immortalized the pairing of mulled wine to Christmas festivities. (My favorite cinematic version remains the one with Alistair Sim.)

Recipes for mulled wine depend on where you live. Although I have no taste for sweetflavoured warm wine, it remains a seasonal way to celebrate for many. (It was offered during the recent Wassail festivities in the County.) Carol singers would customarily be offered mulled wine or heated cider as they travelled throughout villages spreading winter cheer. Mulled wine was traditionally heated with a hot iron such as a poker that was plunged into the wine container.

Back then we walked from town to town. Now we drive. Let’s have a safe Christmas for all our sakes.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
Sandbanks Winery has recently released a delightful 2012 Pinot Grigio ($16.95) just in time for the upcoming holiday season. Proprietor and winemaker Catherine Langlois has crafted what is bound to be a real crowd pleaser, as this wine is a great match for many occasions. Enjoy it as a pre-dinner sipper, or pair it up with your favourite holiday appetizers and main dishes. A delicate hint of caramel and a fragrant bouquet complement the clean flavors of figs and citrus with a lingering minerality and bright acidity.

Don’t miss out: only 500 cases of the Sandbanks’ Pinot Grigio were made. It’s only available at the winery located at 17598 Loyalist Parkway, just west of Wellington.