Sip, Savour, Shake: The Story of Fortified White Wine and Perfect Pairing Ideas

Fortified wine bridges the gap between heritage and innovation. Once a well-kept secret of European cellars, this golden elixir is making a quiet but confident comeback, finding its place in Australian fine dining and modern mixology. 

Our newest vintage — from the hidden barrels of Mountford Wines’ Collector’s Corner — brings this time-honoured style to life with a distinct WA touch. It’s a wine made for versatility. Whether to sip slowly on its own, savour alongside a meal, or shake into something fun, fortified white wine is a fresh flavour to add to your repertoire.

Before you pour your glass, let’s explore the history of fortified wine, and how you can enjoy it from table to cocktail shaker. 

The Story Behind Fortified White Wine

Fortified white wine originates from 17th-century Europe, when winemakers in Portugal, Spain and Italy began adding brandy for a richer flavour. This process (known as fortification) was developed as a way to preserve wine during long sea voyages. Winemakers soon found that fortification not only extends the wine’s life, but also enhances potency and lends a unique character unlike other varieties. 

While red and tawny styles became household names, white fortified wines held a quieter prestige - favoured for its aromatic nature and versatility. 

A Fresh Take on an Old Classic

Our fortified white is a modern expression of an old-world craft, shaped by time, patience, and a distinct Western Australian vibrancy. 

Made from select vintages of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, it’s fortified with the finest brandy and the bright, natural acidity that defines SouthWest whites. Fermenting in the barrels of the Collector’s Corner for 23 years, we’ve blended history in a bottle with a twist.

The result is a fortified white that honours techniques of European winemakers, combined with the freshness and clarity of our cool-climate fruit. 

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What to Expect in the Glass

Bright but complex, elegant yet bold, our fortified white is a rich, caramel wine that balances crispness with fruity character. 

On the palate, it’s full-bodied and finely balanced. The familiar notes of Sherry and Madeira mingle with warm toffee, toasted almond, and a hint of spice. A delicate dance between the smooth richness of Chardonnay, and the natural acidity of Sauvignon Blanc.

Food Pairings for Every Occasion

Thanks to its versatility, fortified white has endless possibilities for pairing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a slow Sunday lunch, you can easily elevate your meals by matching the right food with your glass. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Appetisers:

Serve a chilled glass alongside a cheeseboard of creamy brie and aged cheddar, complemented by roasted almonds and slices of pear. The wine’s nutty caramel mirrors the richness of the cheese for a perfect balance of indulgence and refreshment. You can also pair with olives or vegetarian sushi. For something warm, try seared scallops with lemon butter and thyme.

Mains:

Our fortified white wine works well with seafood, roast chicken and mushroom. Think miso-glazed salmon, lobster tacos, or buttered broccoli and scrambled eggs with potatoes, peppers and Porcini mushrooms.

If you’re feeling creative, a caramelised onion and cheese tart makes a stunning vegetarian pairing, drawing out the wine’s nutty backbone and subtle sweetness. 

Try these recipes:

• BBQ Japanese Miso Salmon

• Porcini Bolognese with Truffle Butter (swap the red wine for fortified white for a fresher spring flavour) 

Desserts:

Unlike heavy dessert wines and liqueurs that can overwhelm the palate, a well-crafted fortified white offers refinement and restraint. The flavour complexity developed through ageing pairs beautifully with dessert ingredients, such as caramel, toasted nuts and citrus peel. 

A slice of lemon tart draws out the wine’s citrus brightness. While pairing with spiced poached pears reflects its nutty, honeyed undertones. Crème brûlée and panna cotta enhance the creamy, vanilla-like notes, and the warming finish amplifies flavours such as caramel, cinnamon and baked pastry. 

For something truly memorable, splash the wine in a pan with brown sugar and butter to create a fortified caramel sauce. Drizzle it over baked fruit or ice cream for a dessert that ties the whole experience together. 

Try these recipes:

• Poached Pears in Fortified White Wine 

• Mediterranean Panna Cotta

Cocktails Featuring Fortified White Wine

Fortified white wine isn’t just for sipping — it’s an achiever behind the bar too, bringing depth and elegance to cocktails without overpowering them. 

For a refreshing start, make a Mountford Spritz: combine 60ml of fortified white wine with soda water, add a slice of orange or lemon peel, and serve over ice. It’s crisp, bubbly, and beautifully aromatic - the perfect afternoon drink that showcases the wine’s natural vibrancy. 

If you prefer something spirit-based, substitute fortified white wine in a classic martini. Or, for a rich after-dinner option, mix it into a Fortified Espresso Martini — equal parts espresso, vodka, and fortified white wine, shaken over ice and topped with coffee beans. 

Why Fortified White Wine is Our Pick this Spring and Summer

As the weather warms and dining moves outdoors, fortified white wine finds its perfect season. Its versatility makes it as comfortable beside a cheeseboard as it is in a sunset spritz. Chilled, it becomes a bright and refreshing aperitif; served at room temperature, its deeper layers unfold alongside shared meals and golden-hour gatherings.

Our fortified white is more than a nod to the past — it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, patience, and Western Australia’s modern winemaking spirit. Visit the Mountford cellar door to taste this limited release, or explore online below. 

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