What Is Fortified Wine?

Fortified wine is wine with a spirit added, usually a neutral grape spirit. That extra spirit raises the alcohol and, in many cases, keeps some natural sweetness. The result is a richer, stronger wine that lasts much longer once opened. Port, sherry and muscat are the best-known examples.

If you have ever enjoyed a glass of port after dinner, you have had fortified wine. Below we explain how it is made, the main styles, how to serve it, and why Australia does it so well.

Recommended: Buy Fortified Wine

Fortified wine at a glance

How fortified wine is made

It starts like any wine, with fermenting grape juice. Then the winemaker adds spirit at a chosen moment.

• Add the spirit early, and fermentation stops while sugar remains. This makes a sweeter style, like port.
• Add the spirit later, after fermentation finishes, and you get a drier style, like some sherries.

So the timing of that one step shapes the whole wine. Clever, really.

The main types of fortified wine

Here are the styles you will see most often:

• Port: rich, sweet and red, from Portugal. Great after dinner.
• Sherry: Spanish, and made in many styles from bone dry to sweet.
• Muscat and Topaque: Australia does these beautifully, especially in Rutherglen. Think raisin, toffee and honey.
• Marsala: an Italian style, used for sipping and cooking.

Each one suits a slightly different moment, which is part of the fun.

How to serve fortified wine

Serve sweet styles like port and muscat in small glasses, lightly chilled or at room temperature. Serve dry sherry well chilled, much like a white wine. Because these wines are strong and rich, a small pour goes a long way.

How long does fortified wine last?

This is one of its best features. Because of the added spirit, an open bottle can last for weeks, and sometimes months. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard, and re-seal it after each pour. So you can enjoy a glass at a time without rushing.

Australian fortified wine

Australia has a proud fortified tradition. Rutherglen, in Victoria, is famous for its muscat and topaque. These wines are dense, sweet and full of dried-fruit flavour. They also make brilliant gifts. You will find lovely options within our dessert wine range.

How to drink and pair it

Port loves dark chocolate and blue cheese. Muscat shines with sticky date pudding or a simple bowl of nuts. Dry sherry is wonderful before a meal, with olives or salted almonds. In other words, there is a fortified wine for every course.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is fortified wine?

Fortified wine is wine with a grape spirit added. This raises the alcohol, often keeps some sweetness, and helps the wine last much longer once opened.

2. Is port a fortified wine?

Yes. Port is one of the most famous fortified wines. It is rich, sweet and usually red.

3. How long does fortified wine last once opened?

Much longer than regular wine. Most styles keep for several weeks, and some last for months when stored cool.

4. What is the difference between port and sherry?

Port is usually sweet and red, from Portugal. Sherry is from Spain and comes in many styles, from very dry to sweet.

5. What is Australian muscat?

It is a rich, sweet fortified wine, famously made in Rutherglen, with deep raisin, toffee and honey flavours.

The bottom line

Fortified wine is simply wine with a little spirit added, and that small step creates some of the world's most loved styles. From sweet port and muscat to dry sherry, there is one for every taste.