Sweet and Fortified: A Category with Untapped Potential
Sweet and fortified wines have long been favourites among wine professionals - and the IWSC 2025 results showed exactly why.
Of the 174 entries from 19 countries, 154 were awarded medals, reflecting an impressive 88% success rate. Spain and Portugal dominated the category, accounting for 57% of entries and most of the top-performing wines. A total of 27 Gold medals were awarded, with Sherry, Port, and Madeira leading the charge.
Texture Takes Centre Stage
Judges noted subtle evolutions taking place. Mick O’Connell MW highlighted a noticeable shift in quality: “We’ve tasted really high-quality wines this year, and at this level, it’s not just about acid providing contrast against sweetness - producers are also using texture to create that counterpoint." This dry extract, particularly evident in the Madeira flights, adds a structural dimension that expands food-pairing potential beyond traditional end-of-meal occasions.
The Commercial Opportunity
Despite their quality, sweet and fortified wines remain underrepresented in modern wine lists. “Port Tawny 30Y and 40Y, and Madeira were the highlights,” said judge Beatrice Bessi. “I just hope to see them more in the market - higher quality in the affordable range”David Round MWechoed this sentiment, noting “the tawny ports were consistently high-scoring, showing consistent quality,” while also praising a Gold-winning white port as “a superbly balanced, complete wine - a style I don’t often see.”
There's untapped value for buyers, sommeliers and importers. These wines offer layered complexity, longevity and premium cues at accessible prices. Curated flights, food-pairing menus and storytelling around provenance are essential tools for reintroducing fortified wines to younger audiences.
Global Potential
The category’s future is not limited to Iberia. Judges praised top entries from outside Spain and Portugal, including South Africa and Australia. “There is so much potential for these wines,” said Salvatore Castano, “and I hope the new generation will help a bit more in considering fortified wines.”Giuseppe D’Aniello added that “the white port flight was very impressive” and praised the best Madeiras as “organised, impressive, and unusual” with “flavour definition and terroir character.”
Judges noted potential for new drinking occasions: dry Sherries as aperitifs, off-dry Madeiras alongside savoury starters and vintage fortifieds served by the glass in premium bars.
As wine lists become more adventurous and consumers seek authenticity and value, this category is ripe for revival. "It's not about trends," said Alistair Cooper MW. "It's about mastery, and these wines are masterful."
A list of gold medal winning wines appears below. The full results can be viewed on our website.
Of the 174 entries from 19 countries, 154 were awarded medals, reflecting an impressive 88% success rate. Spain and Portugal dominated the category, accounting for 57% of entries and most of the top-performing wines. A total of 27 Gold medals were awarded, with Sherry, Port, and Madeira leading the charge.
Texture Takes Centre Stage
Judges noted subtle evolutions taking place. Mick O’Connell MW highlighted a noticeable shift in quality: “We’ve tasted really high-quality wines this year, and at this level, it’s not just about acid providing contrast against sweetness - producers are also using texture to create that counterpoint." This dry extract, particularly evident in the Madeira flights, adds a structural dimension that expands food-pairing potential beyond traditional end-of-meal occasions.
The Commercial Opportunity
Despite their quality, sweet and fortified wines remain underrepresented in modern wine lists. “Port Tawny 30Y and 40Y, and Madeira were the highlights,” said judge Beatrice Bessi. “I just hope to see them more in the market - higher quality in the affordable range”David Round MWechoed this sentiment, noting “the tawny ports were consistently high-scoring, showing consistent quality,” while also praising a Gold-winning white port as “a superbly balanced, complete wine - a style I don’t often see.”
There's untapped value for buyers, sommeliers and importers. These wines offer layered complexity, longevity and premium cues at accessible prices. Curated flights, food-pairing menus and storytelling around provenance are essential tools for reintroducing fortified wines to younger audiences.
Global Potential
The category’s future is not limited to Iberia. Judges praised top entries from outside Spain and Portugal, including South Africa and Australia. “There is so much potential for these wines,” said Salvatore Castano, “and I hope the new generation will help a bit more in considering fortified wines.”Giuseppe D’Aniello added that “the white port flight was very impressive” and praised the best Madeiras as “organised, impressive, and unusual” with “flavour definition and terroir character.”
Judges noted potential for new drinking occasions: dry Sherries as aperitifs, off-dry Madeiras alongside savoury starters and vintage fortifieds served by the glass in premium bars.
As wine lists become more adventurous and consumers seek authenticity and value, this category is ripe for revival. "It's not about trends," said Alistair Cooper MW. "It's about mastery, and these wines are masterful."
A list of gold medal winning wines appears below. The full results can be viewed on our website.
| Primary Score | Producer | Entry Name | Country of Origin | Region |
| 97 | Morris Wines | Old Premium Rare Muscat NV | Australia | Victoria |
| 97 | D'Oliveiras | Verdelho 2001 | Portugal | Madeira |
| 96 | Emilio Lustau | 30 YO Cream NV | Spain | Andalucia |
| 96 | Emilio Lustau | 30 YO Pedro Ximénez NV | Spain | Andalucia |
| 96 | Sogevinus Fine Wines | Barros 30 YO Tawny NV | Portugal | Port |
| 96 | Estate Argyros | Vinsanto Late Release 2004 | Greece | Aegean Islands |
| 96 | Sogevinus Fine Wines | Burmester 40 YO Tawny NV | Portugal | Port |
| 96 | Morris Wines | Cellar Reserve Grand Muscat NV | Australia | Victoria |
| 96 | Valdespino | Don Gonzalo 20 YO Oloroso NV | Spain | Andalucia |
| 96 | Sogevinus Fine Wines | Kopke Colheita 1966 | Portugal | Port |
| 95 | Bodegas Tradición | 20 YO Cream NV | Spain | Andalucia |
| 95 | De Bortoli | Classic Muscat NV | Australia | Victoria |
| 95 | Menin | 20 YO NV | Portugal | Port |
| 95 | Emilio Lustau | 30 YO Moscatel NV | Spain | Andalucia |
| 95 | D'Oliveiras | Boal 1986 | Portugal | Madeira |
| 95 | Bodegas Fundador | Harveys 30 YO Oloroso Medium NV | Spain | Andalucia |
| 95 | Bodegas Fundador | Harveys 30 YO Palo Cortado Medium NV | Spain | Andalucia |
| 95 | Bodegas Fundador | Harveys 30 YO Pedro Ximénez NV | Spain | Andalucia |
| 95 | Inniskillin | Gold Icewine Vidal 2022 | Canada | Ontario |
| 95 | Sogevinus Fine Wines | Kopke 30 YO Tawny NV | Portugal | Port |
| 95 | Sogevinus Fine Wines | Kopke Colheita 1976 | Portugal | Port |
| 95 | Chateau Chizay | Late Harvest Furmint 2022 | Ukraine | Zakarpattia |
| 95 | Morris Wines | Old Premium Rare Tawny NV | Australia | Victoria |
| 95 | De Bortoli | Show Liqueur Muscat NV | Australia | Not Applicable |
| 95 | Trius | Showcase Icewine Riesling 2023 | Canada | Ontario |
| 95 | Yvon Mau | Tesco Finest 2016 | France | Bordeaux |
| 95 | Valdespino | Solera 1842 20YO Oloroso Dulce NV | Spain | Andalucia |
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