Warming Up to Winter: A Deep Dive into Port and Fortified Wines (With a South African Twist)

As the South African winter begins to settle in with its crisp mornings, shorter days, and cooler nights, there's a natural inclination to reach for beverages that bring warmth and comfort. Just as stews replace salads and fireplaces come alive, our wine preferences begin to shift too. Enter the world of Port and fortified wines—rich, complex, and often overlooked heroes of the winter wine rack.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes these wines unique, dive into their intriguing history, break down their categories and characteristics, and highlight some exceptional South African producers crafting world-class fortified wines. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual sipper looking to cosy up with something special, this guide is your perfect winter companion.

Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash

What Are Fortified Wines?

At its core, fortified wine is simply wine that has been strengthened with the addition of a distilled spirit—usually grape brandy. This process raises the alcohol content and dramatically influences the flavour profile, sweetness, and ageing potential of the wine.

The most well-known examples of fortified wines include:

• Port (originally from Portugal)

• Sherry (Spain)

• Madeira (Portugal)

• Marsala (Italy)

• Muscat and Jerepigo (South Africa)

Fortification began centuries ago as a means to preserve wine for long sea voyages. Over time, winemakers learned that fortifying at different stages of fermentation produced vastly different styles—from dry and nutty to lusciously sweet and complex.

A Brief History of Port Wine

Port wine specifically hails from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal and is regulated under strict rules set by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP). It became especially popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, when English merchants—eager for a reliable wine supply during conflicts with France—developed a fondness for this rich, sweet wine.

There are several types of Port, including:

• Ruby Port – young, vibrant, and fruity

• Tawny Port – aged in oak barrels, with flavours of nuts and caramel

• Vintage Port – made from the best grapes of a single vintage year, aged in the bottle

• Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) – a more affordable vintage alternative

• White Port – made from white grapes, served chilled or in cocktails

Port is typically enjoyed as a dessert wine, either on its own or paired with rich, indulgent foods like blue cheese, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

Fortified Wines in South Africa: A Rich Heritage

South Africa may be better known globally for its bold reds, crisp whites, and award-winning Cap Classique, but it also boasts a longstanding tradition of producing fortified wines. This dates back to the early 18th century when Dutch and French settlers began cultivating vineyards in the Cape.

In fact, Constantia dessert wines were once among the most sought-after in the world, praised by figures like Napoleon and Jane Austen. Today, fortified wines—especially those made from Muscat or Hanepoot grapes—remain a significant part of South Africa’s wine landscape.

The local category includes:

• Cape Tawny and Cape Ruby (South African styles inspired by Port)

• Hanepoot Jerepigo

• Muscadel

• White and Red Fortifieds

These wines are produced using similar techniques to their European counterparts but often reflect the unique terroir and grape varieties of the Cape.

Why Fortified Wines Are Perfect for Winter

When the weather cools, our palates naturally crave richness, warmth, and depth. Fortified wines deliver all three in abundance. Here's why they’re ideal for winter:

• High alcohol content: Typically between 16% and 20%, which provides a warming sensation perfect for cold nights.

• Intense flavours: Dried fruit, caramel, nuts, spice, and molasses—all the comforting, nostalgic notes of winter.

• Versatility: Great on their own, but also pair beautifully with hearty winter fare—think sticky toffee pudding, rich meat dishes, aged cheese, and dark chocolate.

• Longevity: Once opened, many fortified wines can last for weeks or even months, making them an excellent value.

  
  

  

  Some of South Africa's best examples from De Krans

How to Serve Fortified Wines

To get the most out of your fortified wine experience, consider the following serving tips:

• Temperature: Serve Tawny and Ruby Port slightly below room temperature (~16–18°C). White Ports or Muscadels can be chilled (10–12°C).

• Glassware: Use smaller tulip-shaped glasses or dessert wine glasses to concentrate the aromas.

• Storage: Fortified wines are less sensitive to oxidation than table wines, but still best kept in a cool, dark place and consumed within a few weeks of opening.

  
  

South African Fortified Wines to Try This Winter

Here are some stellar local examples of Port-style and fortified wines that deserve a place in your winter rotation:

1. Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve Port (Calitzdorp)

Often hailed as South Africa's "Port capital", Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo is home to some of the finest fortified wines in the country.

• Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Souzao

• Tasting Notes: Bold, rich, and intense with black cherry, chocolate, and spice

• Pair With: Dark chocolate fondant, beef short rib, or a cigar by the fire

2. De Krans Cape Tawny Limited Release

Aged in barrels for over a decade, this wine offers a beautifully mellow, nutty experience.

• Tasting Notes: Caramel, roasted nuts, dried figs, and a hint of citrus peel

• Serve: Slightly chilled as an aperitif or with pecan pie

3. KWV Red Jerepigo

An accessible and widely available fortified wine made from sun-ripened grapes, typically Hanepoot or Muscat.

• Tasting Notes: Juicy, sweet, and simple with raisin and honey notes

• Serve: Over crushed ice or with malva pudding

4. Nuy Red Muscadel

This winery near Worcester has developed a cult following for their affordable yet high-quality Muscadels.

• Tasting Notes: Luscious raisin, berry compote, and vanilla

• Perfect With: Spicy curries, blue cheese, or winter fruit crumbles

5. Alvi’s Drift Muscat Nectarinia

An elegant and modern expression of a sweet fortified wine.

• Tasting Notes: Floral with apricot, rose water, and a citrus zest finish

• Serve With: Almond biscotti, panna cotta, or orange cake

Tips for Buying and Storing Fortified Wines

• Look for quality indicators: Age statements (e.g. 10-Year Tawny), estate production, and traditional grape varieties often signal a more refined product.

• Don’t be afraid of sweetness: Fortified wines are meant to be rich. Balance is key, so look for wines with good acidity.

• Buy local: South African fortified wines offer excellent value, often outshining their European counterparts in quality-to-price ratio.

• Store upright once opened, and avoid excessive exposure to air and heat.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Fortified Wines This Winter

In a country blessed with wine diversity, South Africa’s fortified wines stand as a proud, delicious testament to tradition, craftsmanship, and regional flair. As we lean into the colder months, now is the perfect time to rediscover these luxurious, soul-warming beverages.

Whether you’re settling in with a good book by the fire, entertaining friends with cheese platters and chocolate desserts, or simply seeking something new and exciting to explore—Port and fortified wines are a natural choice for winter.

So, this season, don't just uncork another red. Reach for something richer. Reach for a Port. Or a Muscadel. Or maybe even both. Your winter self will thank you.