Fortified Wine

Make Port, Sherry, Madeira, and friends easier to understand — how they’re made and how they differ.

What Is Fortification?

Adding spirit to raise alcohol — and control sweetness.

Port Basics

Ruby and Tawny — two paths for a sweet fortified red.

Sherry Basics

From bone-dry Fino to lusciously sweet PX.

Madeira Basics

The wine deliberately cooked — and nearly indestructible.

Marsala & Other Fortified Wines

Rounding out the category without going too deep.

Serving & Pairing Fortified Wines

Temperatures and classic matches.