Dessert wines are an oft-overlooked beverage category. Ice wines are the sweet wine that comes to mind for most of us, given our proximity to one of the best producing regions on the globe. But one dessert wine that’s under the radar is fortified wine. It’s made by aging a blend of grapes and ‘fortifying’ the resulting mixture with a stronger spirit.
One of the best locally-produced fortified wines is Union Forté. The 2012 release was made with a blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Shiraz and aged in oak barrels for three years to allow the flavours to develop. A Cabernet Franc brandy from boutique vintner Vieni Estates completes Forté with a fresh, smooth character.
Forté is a sweet and boozy wine at 18% ABV and has a viscous, syrupy nature to it. You’ll enjoy plummy, caramel flavours upon first sip. And if you let it linger on your tongue, you’ll experience a bit of spiciness and warmth that’s perfect on a winter's day.
Enjoy this sweet sipper just below room temperature in a brandy or port glass, but a regular wine glass also works in a pinch. Servings should be smaller – about half the size of your regular pour of wine. Bring it out with the after-dinner cheese board, a few bites of fine dark chocolate or simply enjoy it on its own to complete a holiday meal in style.
$17.95 for 500mL bottle; LCBO
