How to prepare the Vin Brûlé of Campo Catino

Vin Brûlé, also known as mulled wine, is a delicious and warming beverage perfect for the cooler months. One particular variant of mulled wine, the Vin Brûlé of Campo Catino, hails from the picturesque region of Lazio in Italy. This traditional Italian recipe combines aromatic spices and citrus fruits with red wine, creating a delightful concoction that is both soothing and full of flavor. So, if you’re looking to indulge in a comforting and festive drink, here’s how you can prepare the Vin Brûlé of Campo Catino.

First and foremost, let’s gather our ingredients. You will need a bottle of full-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, two cinnamon sticks, five cloves, a few star anise pods, one orange, one lemon, and some sugar. The key to making a delicious Vin Brûlé is using good quality ingredients, as the flavors will greatly impact the final result.

Pour the entire bottle of red wine into a large saucepan and place it over low heat. Avoid using high heat, as it can evaporate the alcohol content and alter the taste of the mulled wine. As the wine warms up, add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise pods. These fragrant spices will infuse the wine with their delightful aromas.

Next, it’s time to prepare the citrus fruits. Wash the orange and lemon under cold water, ensuring they are free from any dirt or residue. Using a zester or a grater, remove the zest from both fruits. Be careful not to grate too deeply, as the bitter white pith beneath the zest can give an unpleasant taste to the Vin Brûlé. Once you have collected the zest, squeeze the juice from the orange and lemon, ensuring no seeds fall into the saucepan.

Add the zest and the freshly squeezed juice to the saucepan, stirring gently to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. At this point, the aroma of the Vin Brûlé will start to fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Lastly, it’s time to sweeten the Vin Brûlé. The amount of sugar needed will depend on your personal preference, as well as the natural sweetness of the red wine. Begin by adding a tablespoon of sugar and taste the mixture. If you find it too bitter, gradually add more sugar until it reaches the desired sweetness. Remember, you can always add more sugar, but you can’t take it away, so start with a smaller amount and adjust accordingly.

Continue to heat the mixture over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Do not let the Vin Brûlé come to a boil, as it can compromise the flavors. Instead, let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the spices release their aromas and the citrus fruits infuse the wine with their tangy flavors.

After the simmering time has passed, strain the Vin Brûlé through a sieve to remove the spices, citrus zest, and any other solids. This step is crucial to obtain a smooth and enjoyable texture. Once strained, pour the Vin Brûlé into heatproof glasses or mugs.

The Vin Brûlé of Campo Catino is best enjoyed warm, as the heat will further enhance the flavors and aromas. Serve it alongside some festive treats like gingerbread cookies or roasted chestnuts, and savor this delightful Italian specialty.

In conclusion, preparing the Vin Brûlé of Campo Catino is a simple yet rewarding process. With the right combination of spices, citrus fruits, and a good quality red wine, you can create a delightful mulled wine that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the rich flavors of this traditional Italian beverage.