If you are looking for an entry point to the world of fortified wines, we've got you covered. From the favorite fortified wine of the Founding Fathers, Madeira, to the collaborative, fortified efforts of English buyers and Portuguese vintners, Port, there are plenty of options for buying and enjoying the versatility of fortified wines. Port, Madeira, Sherry, and Marsala are an unusual class of wine, that offer richness, age and class to many desserts and rich food favorites. The wines below are convenient to find and are delicious to savor.
1. Taylor Fladgate 10 Year-old Tawny $30
The Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Tawny is a fortified favorite with plenty of fans ranging from wine loving newbies to full-fledged industry fanatics. A top port pick at a terrific price point, the Taylor 10 Year Tawny brings a balance of enticing aromatics that blend the fresh factor of a 10 year tawny with the more mature, cask-driven influences of an older tawny. Expect the concentrated flavors of dried fruit, spiced nuts, and toffee to make the biggest waves on the rich, round palate profile.
2. Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port
Graham's
The Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port is a young, dynamic blend of six grape varietals that showcases rich, concentrated aromatics and engaging fruit intensity on the palate. A welcome introduction to the world of fortified wines, this particular entry-level port from Graham's brings layers of flavor including dark cherry and chocolate with an undergirding of warm spice and a nutty nuance.
3. Blandy’s 10 Year Old Madeira
Blandy's
Blandy's 10 Year Madeira offers up ample acidity making for a fortified wine that not only boasts the expected nutty profile, but brings sweet honeyed flavors to the forefront and wraps it all up in bright acidity.
4. Osborne Pedro Ximénez Sherry
Grupo Osborne
The Osborne Pedro Ximénez premium Sherry begins with deep, dark brown color and proceeds to a full-bodied, full-sweeping flavor wine experience. The palate profile yields a cornucopia of flavors in the form of ultra creamy caramel, a toasty fig sweetness, and a hint of coffee with a welcomed mocha extension - all surrounded by a decidedly nutty nuance. In the Osborne Pedro Ximénez, you've truly got it all - unforgettable flavor, enduring finish, options like dessert accompaniment or dessert itself and all at a well-placed price point. This particular Sherry would make a perfect partner with the likes of an apple crisp, pecan or pumpkin pie.
5. Graham’s 20 Year Tawny Port
Graham's
The Graham's 20 Year Tawny Port is a delicious addition to the season's festive gatherings and gift-giving opportunities - a perfect pairing for dark and milk chocolates, a handful of mixed nuts, a crumble of blue cheese, or an equal pairing partner for a decadent dish of creme brulee. Honeyed amber in color, the nose on this 20 year tawny offers up rich caramel notes with vibrant red fruit and nutty nuances mingling in the aromatic mix. The palate profile reveals a full body with generous portions of toffee, espresso, and dried, well-concentrated fruit. The finish is full flavored and persistent with echoes of honeyed fruit and swirls of smoke.
6. Dow's 10 Year Old Tawny Port
Dow's
This 10 Year Tawny from Dow's is on the drier side and has lots of nutty nuances both on the nose and on the palate. Delicious with triple cream brie cheese or an aged cheddar.
7. Warre's Otima 10 Year Tawny
Wine.com
The fortified wine of the week is the Warre's Otima 10 year Tawny and for good reason - this port would make a remarkable after Christmas dinner sipper - paired with a pecan pie, raspberry cheesecake or a creamy mocha-based dessert. Otima is a very aromatic, lighter-bodied Port, with plenty of ripe, rich fruit and the expected nutty nuance. You'll find the glow of vanilla spice, rich flavors and an elegant finish - a perfect port to have on hand for the holidays and perfect for gift-giving too! Pairs well with all white, milk and dark chocolates.
8. Churchill's 10 Year Tawny Port
The Churchill's 10 Year Tawny Port presents a brickish red color, with a sweet, nutty aroma. On the palate you'll find a delicious, rich display of well ripened sweet fig-like flavors and a caramel finish. Give this Port a turn at pairing with your favorite desserts, ranging from cheesecake and tiramisu to chocolate truffles and pecan pie. Also, consider this particular Tawny port as a delicious pairing partner for aged cheddar cheese.
