Top Fortified Wine Brands
Sip & Savor
Fortified Wines normally contain a distilled spirit like brandy. The most common varieties of fortified wines include port, sherry, and vermouth. However, they largely differ in flavor based on the ingredients and the extent of fermentation.
The global market of fortified wine is expected to grow at 3.8 percent in the forecast period of 2022-2027 as per a CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) report. This ascent is majorly expected to be driven by the budding acceptance of alcoholic beverages in developing countries and the rising inclination for fortified wines.
The expanding distribution system and the improving availability of fortified wines significantly contribute to the market growth. However, it is a fact that excessive drinking can harm your health, but moderate intake of wine may actually offer health benefits.
Nevertheless, ready-to-drink beverages like fortified wine will eventually boost demand on account of the growing preference for convenience.
Moreover, the addition of fortified wine in cocktails owing to its versatile flavor and texture is also propelling the growth factor. There is a rising interest in indigenous drinks among the millennial and the new-gen populations.
This is also bolstering the demand for fortified wine. You can now find many companies launching fortified wines with exclusive blends to drive consumer engagement. This is yet another aspect that is most likely to fuel the demand.
This growing consumption of premium beverages like fortified wine in social settings is propelling the demand. Several leading players in the market are now increasing their spending on the promotion of fortified wine.
It is most likely to attract new consumers to the beverage alongside growing awareness regarding the health benefits associated with the consumption of fortified wine.
Top Fortified Wine Brands
- Albina & Hanna: Established in 1899, Albina & Hanna is a third-generation family-run company headquartered in Amman, Jordan. It offers premium brands of beverages like beer, illy coffee, spirits, and fortified wine.
A&H strives to become a leading global beverage distributor by offering improved consumer service alongside efficient processes. As part of its communication strategy, A&H also hosts various wine events aimed at improving the offerings of its products from time to time.
- Curatolo Arini: This leading winery established in 1875 is based in Sicily, Italy. Curatolo Arini also offers wine experience tours to provide deeper meaning to their aims, family values, and indigenous winemaking including fortified wines that they produce.
Their vineyards are located in Chirchiaro, Gagliardetta, Marchesa, Marsala, and Sciarra Soprana. This winery collaborates with various other wineries to expand its presence in the regional and global markets.
- Mazuran’s Vineyards Limited: Established in 1938 and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, Mazuran Winery is one of the pioneers in the global wine industry. It sources grapes from selected local vineyards within the island country.
Moreover, this company is the only winery in New Zealand that distils its own grape brandy utilized in the production of its fortified wine. Mazuran recently launched its New Yellow Label barrel fermented sparkling chardonnay in September 2022.
- Sogevinus Fine Wines SL: This company was established a few decades ago in 1998. Sogevinus Winery is headquartered in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, It is one of the leaders in Port wine production in Portugal and a leading provider of Colheitas.
Sogevinus has developed an effective and quick method to control the entire cycle of fortified wine production. It has extensively invested in a logistics center and quality control processes. This enables Sogevinus to offer the highest standards of producing and distributing fortified wines.
- Taylor’s Port: Established in 1692, Taylor’s is yet another winery headquartered in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. It is one of the oldest and largest makers of Port wine, including classic European fortified wines. Taylor Winery is regarded as a pioneer maker of the finest styles of Port wine.
Involving in all production stages of winemaking, Taylor’s continually invests in the latest innovations and technologies to create high-quality fortified wines. It also produces wood-aged Port wines as the owner of the largest rare cask-aged wine reserves.
Types of Fortified Wines
- Lillet: This is a fortified wine type hailing from Pondesac. It is produced with a combination of barks, fruits, and peels that are hashed in neutral alcohol before being combined with wine. After which the final blend is usually aged for many months in oak barrels.
Incorporated in quinine liqueur, this drink was originally marketed as Kina Lillet. And it first came as a white Blanc version. The company also distributed Lillet Dry following its success in the United States. This fortified wine is more suitable for use in cocktails and long drinks. And it also goes down well as the red wine-based Rouge version.
Both Blanc and Rouge Lillets are typically served chilled, neat or on the rocks as aperitifs. And they usually come dressed with orange, lemon, lime, or orange slices. Lillets especially incorporate very well with a wide range of cocktails and long drinks.
- Pedro Ximénez: This is a type of Spanish sherry. Pedro Ximénez is also the name of the grape that is used to produce this fortified wine. These grapes are normally picked when they are ripe. Then they are routinely laid out in the sun to increase the sugar content.
These grapes are subsequently pressed to extract juice to be fermented and fortified. It is then left to age utilizing the complex solera procedure.
Pedro Ximénez wine is sweet and intense and with a thick, velvety texture and aromas. The taste is reminiscent of dates, and dried fruits, primarily figs and raisins. The drink complements notes of chocolate, coffee, honey, jam, and vanilla.
This fortified wine is an excellent match with blue and aged cheese, dark chocolate, decadent chocolate desserts, or ice cream. The drink can also be drizzled over creamy desserts, fresh fruit, or ice cream.
The grape variety of these wines is mainly grown in Montilla-Moriles D.O. and is largely associated with Jerez even in case it is partially produced in Jerez. However, the one entirely produced in Montilla-Moriles will customarily include the name of the region on the label.
- Port: This fortified wine has its origins in the Duoro Valley. Port is produced from various grape varieties. Prominent among them are the Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, and Touriga Nacional. These are considered the best for the red port. Arinto, Cedega, Gouveio, Rabigato, and Viozinho are largely considered for the production of white port.
Port wine is normally fortified with brandy and is usually matured in oak casks after fermentation. The wine can further be aged in the bottle or the barrel after blending, depending on the style.
The most common port style includes the young and fresh Ruby. This is an earthy Late-Bottled Vintage that is rich. However, smooth Tawnies and Vintage ports enjoy the highest prestige.
Most port styles perfectly pair with caramel desserts and chocolate. The aged varieties go exceptionally well with nuts or flavored and washed-rind cheeses. Note that similar fortified wine styles are produced all around the world. But only those made in Portugal can be labeled as a ‘Port.’
- Ruby Port: This is the most prevalent and novel style of fortified wines. Ruby Port is made from various red grape varieties and is normally aged for three years in concrete or steel tanks. This fortified wine is considered to be a convenient introduction to other complex port wines.
Fresh Ruby Port wines are rich in color along with aromas and flavors that are light and fruity accompanied by subtle tannins. This fortified wine can be served at room temperature, or slightly chilled, and in some cases over ice. Ruby Ports usually pair well with blue cheese, chocolate-based desserts, and cherries.
Some Ruby Port wines that are aged for more than three years are classified as Reserve Ruby. And those fermented as rosé wine are known as Rosé Port.
- Sherry: This is a fortified white wine coming from the Andalusia region. It is available in a variety of styles from light dry wines to complex and aromatic sweet varieties. These fortified wines are mostly produced from the Palomino grape variety. However, sweet sherry wines also use Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes.
Sherry is typically aged in a unique solera system after the base wine is fortified with grape spirit. The maturation process can either be biological under a layer of yeast on the surface or include oxidation.
This depends upon the amount of alcohol and the type of aging. Dry sherry wines, or vinos generosos are classified into five basic styles: Amontillado, Fino, Manzanilla, Oloroso, and Palo Cortado.
Fortified sweet wines known as vinos generosos de licoror are typical blends of dry sherry and naturally sweet wines. However, some sherry varieties also blend it with grape must. Nevertheless, the basic categories of sweet sherries include Cream, Medium, and Pale Cream.
Note that authentic sherry is only made in the Jerez region. And that it is always labeled as Jerez-Xérès-Sherry.
- Sweet Vermouth: This fortified wine is generally associated with red Italian-style vermouth. The red color of Sweet Vermouth is mostly gained with caramel coloring. However, the best examples of this style are typically subtly bitter and usually sweeter than dry vermouth. The aromas and the final taste profile of these fortified wines are normally reminiscent of spices and stewed fruit.
This style of fortified wine is best known for its use in cocktails. Sweet Vermouth makes the basis of some well-known classics like Manhattan and Negroni. Carpano, and Cinzano Rosso, and Martini Rosso are some of the most popular brands of this category. Sweet Vermouth officially can have a maximum of 15 percent sugar content.
- Tawny Port: Officially labeled as Reserva, this is a variety of fortified port that is usually oak-aged for around seven years. However, vintage versions of Tawny may extend to ten, twenty, and even over forty years of aging. These Port wines are often praised for their complex aromatic character and the rich and smooth texture as well.
Tawny Ports are often sweet and amber in color. These fortified wines display an array of different aromas. They typically include a nutty combination of caramel and toffee, coffee, dark fruits like dates, figs or prunes, red ripe dates, and vanilla.
However, its different characteristics depend upon the aging period. Nevertheless, Tawny is a perfect accompaniment to various desserts like chocolates made with fruits and nuts, or eggs.
Tawny Port fortified wines also match well with aged cheese or soft-centered cheese dessert varieties.
- Vermouth: This fortified wine variety is a quintessential European aperitif. Vermouth is sweetened and aromatized with various botanicals. And they are normally classified as red-sweet or white-dry. The origin of this fortified wine is ancient and closely connected to wormwood wine. However, the first official vermouth was produced by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin, Italy.
Antonio aromatized his wine with various herbs and spices. He started selling his red vermouth in the year 1786. This drink instantly became a success among the locals. And Vermouth has ever since only grown in popularity. In the years that followed, Joseph Noilly introduced the new French-style Vermouth in the later years. It is now mostly known as dry or white vermouth.
Eventually, both styles were further popularized due to the expansion of the spice trade. Vermouth became well-known as a cocktail ingredient throughout the world. It is commonly used in some classics such as Americano, Manhattan, Martini, and Negroni. Nonetheless, it is still mainly served as an aperitif in Europe.
Vermouth can be enjoyed neat or over ice. It is often mixed with soda or tonic water. However, this fortified wine is still a staple in native countries like Italy and France. It has also become one of the most popular aperitifs in Spain since its introduction in the 19th century.
- Vermouth Blanc: Also known as White Vermouth, this is yet another vermouth category that is somewhere between dry and sweet fortified wine. However, most examples of Vermouth Blanc are pale and medium sweet. This is because producers normally tend to use warm spices like vanilla in order to pronounce the sweetness.
Typical aromas of this fortified wine normally include herbaceous and floral notes apart from vanilla. Vermouth Blanc can be ideally used in cocktails. But it also makes a great aperitif as well when served on the rocks.
White Vermouth was not entirely clear at the beginning. However. the widely accepted present version was first created by the French brand Dolin from Chambéry in the 19th century.
- White Port: This is a fortified wine variety made just like red port by adding brandy during fermentation. Nevertheless, using white in place of red grapes. The White Port blend most commonly includes native grape varieties like Códega, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, and Viosinho. Eventually, it comes as a dry and sweet wine.
It happens to be that White Port is mainly intended for early consumption. But oak-aged styles are also commonly available nowadays. However, most examples of this fortified wine have some amount of residual sugar.
But the final character of the wine will depend on vinification. White Ports are generally lighter than red varieties and the aroma is reminiscent of citrus and stone fruit. It comes along with nutty nuances generally found in oak-aged golden wine styles.
Dry White Port is typically enjoyed as an aperitif due to its character. It is normally served slightly chilled. Mixing it with tonic water to create a popular bubbly spritz is yet another option. This is known as Portônica. White Port wines pair very well with a variety of appetizers, regional specialties like almonds, and snacks in general.
Sweeter versions of White Port are best paired with desserts.
Fortified Wine Benefits
Fortified wines, like regular wines offer several health benefits like the following.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Fortified wines contain powerful antioxidant compounds that help the body neutralize free radicals in order to protect against chronic disease and cell damage. These wines particularly enclose antioxidants like catechin, epicatechin, and proanthocyanins.
Sweet red wines are also rich in resveratrol. This antioxidant aids in overcoming conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer. The higher amount of beneficial antioxidants in red wines is primarily because they make use of grape skin during the fermentation process.
However, it is best that you focus on getting the majority of these compounds from nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables. This is because the body may not be able to properly absorb antioxidants from fortified wines.
- Supports Heart Health: Researchers suggest that moderate wine intake can actually benefit heart health. Studies indicate that light to moderate drinking is associated with a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Controlled intake of wine reduces the risk of dying from heart disease by almost 30 percent.
A 4-week study conducted in a group of 69 people found that drinking red wine increased levels of good cholesterol by about 16 percent. HDL cholesterol helps clear fatty plaque build-up from the arteries. And which is likely to reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, keep in mind that excessive drinking can harm your heart and contribute to alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This is a disease that impairs the capability of the heart to efficiently pump blood.
Moderate consumption of fortified wine may also protect against chronic disease. One large study showed that moderate wine intake over the long term was associated with lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes among women with excessive weight.
Various other researchers suggest that drinking wine can also improve brain and mental health by lowering the risk of dementia and depression. Moderate intake of fortified wine is also tied to a reduced risk of several types of malignancies like colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Fortified Wines Contain More Alcohol
Nevertheless, remember that fortified wines have a much higher alcohol content than regular wine styles. This is mainly because of the addition of distilled spirits like brandy. Fortified wines typically contain 17–20 percent alcohol by volume. Just compare it with 10–15 percent ABV found in traditional wines.
Beware, regular intake of high amounts of alcohol can cause dependence on alcohol. It can subsequently trigger withdrawal symptoms when you try to give it up.
Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to ailments like brain damage, heart failure, liver disease, and weight gain. Therefore, limiting daily alcohol intake is the best way to avert detrimental effects.
According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate drinking is defined as one alcoholic beverage per day for women and two for men.
Fortified Wines are High on Sugar
Wine as such, in comparison to other types of beverages, is naturally higher in sugar since it is made from grapes. Moreover, fortified wines pack even more sugar. There are many varieties of fortified wines that are made by adding spirits to the wine during the fermentation process itself. Much before these sugars have been converted into alcohol.
Other types of fortified wines are sweetened after fermentation in order to boost the sugar content. Dessert wines like port wines normally contain 7 grams of sugar per 88-ml serving. Consuming high levels of sugar is linked to a host of health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, and obesity.
Moderation Is the Key
For this reason, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugar intake to less than 10 percent of your daily calories. It translates to about 50 grams on a standard adult diet.
Effectively, it means that just one glass of fortified wine can furbish about 14 percent of your daily limit for added sugar. This is why it is important that you pay attention while enjoying this sweet treat in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
