Fortified Wines

Buy Fortified Wines Online in Australia

Often referred to as dessert wine, fortified wines are instead its sub-type. Its origin dates back to the years when people would store drinks in casks. In order to prevent wine from getting oxidized, manufacturers started fortifying drinks to avoid spoilage. This also resulted in high alcohol content, making them even more popular amongst wine consumers. Eventually, fortification became a method of choice and even today, fortified dessert wines enjoy a fair share in the markets worldwide.

What is Fortified Wine?

Fortified wine is a type of wine that has had a distilled spirit, typically brandy, added during or after fermentation. Often referred to as dessert wine, fortified wines are a subtype of it. Its origin dates back to the years when people would store drinks in casks. To prevent wine from oxidizing, manufacturers began fortifying drinks to protect them from spoilage. This also resulted in high alcohol content, making them even more popular amongst wine consumers. Eventually, fortification became a method of choice, and even today, fortified dessert wines enjoy a fair share in the markets worldwide. Popular examples include Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala, each offering distinct flavours and sweetness levels.

Popular Fortified Wines in Australia

Australia is widely popular for producing top-quality and unique varieties of Fortified wines that have gained recognition worldwide. Rutherglen Muscat and Rutherglen Topaque (formerly Tokay) are iconic Australian fortified wines from Victoria, known for their intense sweetness and complexity. Australian Tawny is another popular style, aged in barrels to develop rich, nutty flavours. The country also produces excellent Port-style wines, particularly from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale regions. Since Australian Sherry-style wines are now referred to as "apera" because of European protected labels, they still have a past significance. These fortified wines offer distinctive flavours that capture the terroir and highlight Australia's warm climate and winemaking expertise.

FAQs

1. What are the four main types of fortified wine?

• Port: Originating from Portugal, it’s rich and sweet, often enjoyed as a dessert wine.

• Sherry: From Spain, it ranges from dry to sweet, with nutty and complex flavours.

• Madeira: A Portuguese island wine known for its caramelised, toasty notes and long shelf life.

• Marsala: From Sicily, it’s versatile and is perfect both for sipping and cooking, offering warm, nutty sweetness.

2. How should you drink fortified wine?

You should drink fortified wines slightly chilled at a normal temperature, depending on the style. Less sweet or dry ones like Sherry can be served chilled before meals, whereas sweeter fortified wines like Port or Marsala are great to pair with desserts. You can also use fortified wines in cocktails or cooking to add depth and richness.

3. What are the different types of fortified wines?

Different grape varieties, regions, and fortification processes result in different kinds of fortified wines. There are regional variations, such as Vermouth (aromatized fortified wine), but the primary varieties are Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala. They are all delightful to drink or in a cocktail since they each have a distinct blend of sweetness, aroma, and alcohol intensity.