Strength

Fortified Wine

Port is sweet and concentrated; Sherry is dry and savoury (Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso).

Fortified wines have grape spirit added during or after fermentation, preserving sweetness and boosting alcohol.

This family includes the world's most historic and age-worthy bottles - Port and Sherry, Madeira and Marsala.

Key Characteristics

  • · Port is sweet and concentrated; Sherry is dry and savoury (Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso).
  • · Madeira is notoriously age-resistant; Marsala is Italy's fortified.
  • · Fortified wines are dessert and cheese companions par excellence.

Food Pairing

  • · blue cheese
  • · dark chocolate
  • · dried fruits
  • · nuts
  • · caramel desserts

Serving

  • · 10-12°C
  • · Cool reds, cool sherry
  • · Port or sherry glass

Subcategories

Port

Sweet fortified from the Douro

Sherry

Dry and savoury from Jerez

Madeira

Amazingly ageproof

Marsala

Italy's fortified