New Spin on German Mulled Wine Queen's Favorite Red
Newly crowned German Mulled Wine Queen, Louisa Kress, prefers her classic red vino - a Dornfelder, spiced up with cinnamon, cloves, and an abundance of tangy oranges. No surprise then that her royal office in Trier reflects this brooding color. She chuckles at the thought, adjusting her silver tiara atop her head. The 30-year-old former wine queen of Trier reveals an excitement as she readies herself to raise her mug at the Trier Christmas market, predominantly for the mulled wine brews. "I certainly indulge in a sip of white wine too, but moderation is key," she says.
With a wealth of wine and royalty experience under her belt (pun intended), Kress understands the perfect foundation for mulled wine - the base wine. Recalling her childhood visits to the family vineyard on the Upper Moselle, she recalls her enduring love for the grape as it developed in the sundrenched soil.
As the twinkling lights of impending Christmas fill Trier, Kress's aim is to visit the Christmas market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, donning her wine-red dirndl. But the regal queen isn't limiting herself to Trier. "I'd be more than happy to represent mulled wine and my city in other venues."
Navigating the German Mulled Wine Scene
Since 2008, the office of the German Mulled Wine Queen has been graced by an annual designee. Though the position saw a hiatus in the last three years due to the pandemic, Kress is now the eighth chosen one.
"Winery mulled wines are all the rage," attests Ernst Büscher, spokesperson for the German Wine Institute (DWI), as the drinking hot brew gains momentum in the wine world. In fact, mulled wine is now a seasonal staple at over 250 wineries nationwide.
Crafting the Perfect Mulled Wine
Mulled wine varieties abound. Red and white wines alike are used, depending on preference. Among them, the ever-popular Dornfelder, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot lead the pack.
The traditional German mulled wine, known as Glühwein, has gained a distinguished image more so than its past quips about questionable quality and the post-drinking morning after. Today, German winegrowers, like Louisa Kress, offer high-quality mulled wines, creating a "personal touch" with their unique house-blend recipes.
Innovation is spicing up the mulled wine scene - as evidenced by Trier's decision to serve a spicy rosé variety. Mulled wine devotees will soon be able to savor their favorites - and explore new options - as they stroll through the lantern-lit Christmas market.
"These Christmas markets sparkle so beautifully," cheerfully remarks the current German Mulled Wine Queen, Louisa Kress, as she looks forward to sharing her love for mulled wine and tradition with fellow holiday enthusiasts.
