The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover

The largest wine trade fair dedicated solely to fortified wines, The Big Fortified Tasting (the b.f.t.) will return to London on 23rd April.

Established in 2010, the 2024 edition promises to exceed expectations with more than 70 producers confirmed to show their wines. From Port, Sherry, Marsala, Madeira, Carcavelos, Montilla-Moriles, English Vermouth, Moscatel de Setúbal, Azores and Australian fortified wines, the fair offers trade a true masterclass in this special and historic wine style.

Exhibiting at the fair for the first time, Decanter will show a selection of 12 top-scoring fortified wines from the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards. Tasted and rated by fortified specialists, including DWWA Regional Chair for Port & Madeira, Richard Mayson, the selection will include wines from Spain, Portugal, Italy and Australia – all awarded 95 to 97 points.

The b.t.f.’s programme will also include three masterclasses with topics covering Port, Moscatel de Setúbal and Australian stickies from Penfolds.

Aimed at members of the wine and hospitality trade who buy, sell or serve fortified wines on a commercial basis, trade-only registrations are open to attend this spectacular one-day-only tasting.

Don’t miss this top selection of DWWA-awarded fortified wines on the day…

Spain

Gonzalez Byass, Tio Pepe Tres Palmas, Fino, Sherry NV


Platinum, 97 points
Wonderfully complex dried orange and rose petal aromas build to an unctuous palate of caramelised hazelnut and richly fruited vintage marmalade. Hugely powerful with a finesse of tangy salinity keeping things in check. Very stylish. Alcohol 16.4%

Gonzalez Byass, Tio Pepe Cuatro Palmas, Amontillado, Sherry NV


Platinum, 97 points
Elaborate layers of roasted nuts, burnt sugar, wood barrels and crème caramel undercut by a stunning beam of acidity which gifts its way through to the intricate rancio finish. One to sip gently and contemplate. Alc 21.15%

Harveys, Very Old Medium 30 Years, Palo Cortado, Sherry V.O.R.S


Platinum, 97 points
A labyrinth of plump sultana, dried fig, roast chestnut and peanut brittle with oodles of smoky toast and vanilla on the creamy, smoothly tapered palate. The amazing finish is intense and salty with a cleansing glimmer of bitter kumquat essence. Alc 19%

Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana, Faraon 30 Years Old V.O.R.S., Oloroso, Sherry NV


Gold, 96 points (DWWA 2022)
This is a rich, intensely powerful wine with an amazing baroque oxidative complexity. A glass of very old wine to drink like fine old Cognac: short sips, meditatively, tasting with the memory rather than with the senses. Its extremely well-integrated alcohol elevates the roasted walnuts and bitter orange peel characteristics. Alc 20%

Colección de Toneles Centenarios, Fondillon Luis XIV, Edad Superior a 25 Años, Alicante NV


Gold, 95 points (DWWA 2022)
Exuberant aromas of prunes, clove spice, blood orange, caramel, black chocolate, raisins, herbs and tobacco. The palate has lots of tertiary flavours, texture, persistence, well-integrated alcohol, a wonderful line of acidity and impressive depth. No shortage of complexity, length or beauty. Alc 17%

Portugal

Casa Ermelinda Freitas, Superior, Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal 2010


Platinum, 97 points
An engaging spread of caramel, orange marmalade, perfumed florals and buttermint with an intensely spicy lift and a biscuity warmth. Mouthwateringly rich and characterful with a lush persistent acidity and a lovely grapefruit zest on the finish. Alc 18.5%

Cockburn’s, Fine Ruby, Ruby, Port NV


Gold, 95 points
Brooding and dense, with well-defined ripe berry, plum and raspberry and a thought-provoking vibrance on the long, lingering finish. An impeccable representation of the category. Alc 19%

Marks & Spencer, Collection, Late Bottled Vintage, Port 2017


Gold, 95 points
A real belter! Immensely concentrated tart black cherry, liquorice and culinary herbs with hints of tar and a cleansing bitter note; rich and unashamed in its expression. Alc 20%

Granvinhos,…


Source : https://www.decanter.com/decanter-world-wine-awards/the-big-fortified-tasting-dwwa-awarded-wines-to-discover-525246/

The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover * The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover | | The Big Fortified Tasting: DWWA-awarded wines to discover |