New Year’s Eve Delights
As you prepare to ring in the new year, consider the rich, complex flavours of fortified wines for your celebrations. Whether you prefer the sweetness of port, the versatility of sherry, the elegance of madeira, the sophistication of marsala, or the vivacity of vermouth, these wines offer something for everyone. So raise a glass, savour the moment, and toast to the new year with a fortified wine that’s as special as the occasion. Cheers to a prosperous and joyful year ahead!
Port Wine
Toast Tradition This New Years Eve
Port, the renowned fortified wine from Portugal’s Douro Valley, is synonymous with celebration. Its sweet, rich flavours make it a fantastic choice for a New Year’s Eve toast or as a companion to desserts and cheese boards as the clock ticks toward midnight.
- Vintage Port: If you’re looking for something truly special, a vintage port is the way to go. Made from the best grapes of a single vintage year, full-bodied and complex, with flavours of dark fruits, chocolate, and spice. It’s perfect for savouring slowly as you reflect on the year gone by and look forward to what’s ahead.
- Tawny Port: For a more mellow option, tawny port is an excellent choice. Aged in wooden barrels, it develops a nutty, caramel-like flavour with notes of dried fruits. Versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of treats, from cheese to nuts and chocolate.
- White Port: For something a bit different, try white port. With its crisp, slightly sweet character, it’s a refreshing option for New Year’s Eve. Serve it chilled as an aperitif or mix it into a festive cocktail.
Sherry
New Year Celebration Of Flavour
Sherry, a fortified wine from Spain’s Jerez region, offers a wide range of styles, making it a versatile choice for New Year’s celebrations. Whether you prefer something dry and crisp or rich and sweet, there’s a sherry to suit every taste.
- Fino Sherry: Light, dry, and refreshing, perfect for starting your New Year’s Eve festivities. Its delicate flavours of almonds and green olives make it an excellent aperitif, especially when paired with tapas or light appetisers.
- Amontillado Sherry: For a more complex option, amontillado sherry offers a nutty, slightly spicy flavour with a touch of caramel. Its medium-bodied profile makes it a great match for savoury dishes like roasted nuts, charcuterie, or even hearty soups.
- Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry: If you’re in the mood for something sweet and indulgent, pedro ximenez sherry is a must-try. This rich, syrupy sherry is bursting with flavours of raisins, figs, and molasses, making it the perfect partner for dessert or even poured over vanilla ice cream.
Madeira
A Taste Of Timeless Elegance
Madeira, the fortified wine from Portugal’s Madeira Islands, is known for its unique ageing process and incredible longevity. With its complex flavours and balanced acidity, Madeira is a sophisticated choice for welcoming the new year.
- Malmsey Madeira: Malmsey is the sweetest style of madeira, with rich flavours of toffee, dried fruits, and spice. It’s a fantastic dessert wine, perfect for sipping alongside rich festive treats like fruitcake or dark chocolate.
- Bual Madeira: Slightly less sweet offering a delicious balance of sweetness and acidity, with notes of caramel, nuts, and a hint of citrus. It’s a versatile choice that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods, from cheese to roasted meats.
- Sercial Madeira: For those who prefer a drier wine, sercial madeira is an excellent option. Its crisp acidity and flavours of toasted nuts and citrus make it a refreshing choice for an aperitif or as a palate cleanser between courses.
Marsala Wine
Sicilian Sophistication
Marsala, a fortified wine from Sicily, is often overlooked but deserves a spot on your New Year’s Eve menu. Available in both dry and sweet styles, Marsala brings a touch of Sicilian sophistication to your celebrations.
- Sweet Marsala: Rich and velvety, sweet marsala offers flavours of dried fruits, vanilla, and caramel. It’s a delicious choice for dessert or as a warming nightcap as you countdown to midnight.
- Dry Marsala: Dry marsala is less sweet, with nutty, savoury flavours and a hint of salinity. It’s a great option for pairing with savoury dishes like cheese, nuts, or even as an ingredient in classic dishes like chicken marsala.
Vermouth
Ring In The New Year With Vermouth
While vermouth is often associated with cocktails, it’s also a delightful fortified wine to enjoy on its own, especially during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- Sweet Vermouth: With its rich, spiced flavours and slightly bitter finish, sweet vermouth is a versatile choice for New Year’s Eve. Enjoy it over ice with a twist of orange peel or mix it into a festive cocktail like a Manhattan or Negroni.
- Dry Vermouth: Dry vermouth, with its herbal notes and crisp finish, can be enjoyed chilled as an aperitif or used to craft sophisticated cocktails. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any New Year’s Eve gathering.
Fortified Wine Cocktails
A Festive Twist
For those who love cocktails, fortified wines offer a fantastic base for creative and festive drinks.
- Port And Tonic: Mix white port with tonic water and a slice of lemon for a refreshing and light cocktail that’s perfect for toasting the new year.
- Sherry Cobbler: Combine amontillado sherry with fresh orange juice, a touch of sugar, and crushed ice for a classic and refreshing cocktail with a festive twist.
- Manhattan: Use sweet vermouth in a classic Manhattan for a warming and sophisticated cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests.