As noted previously, I am in the midst of preparing for the WSET DWS Unit 6 – (fortified wines) exam. Fortified wines are those to which a neutral grape spirit has been added either during fermentation, generally rendering the wine sweet, or after fermentation, usually leaving a dry wine. The former process is indicative of Port and similarly-styled wines, while the latter pertains to Sherry and other dry fortified wines.

Among my study activities, I will be doing a number of tastings, particularly as I will miss the actual class and will need to do everything via "home study." Accordingly, I have identified my wine line up and placed my order. The list includes:

SHERRIES
Domecq, ‘La Ina’ Fino Sherry
Widsom & Warter Amontillado Sherry
Osborne Cream Sherry
Osborne Dry Oloroso Sherry

PORTS
Sandeman Ruby Port
Dow 10-Year Aged Tawny Port
Warre’s Vintage Port 1985

OTHER FORTIFIED
Domaine Coyeux, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2003

I considered purchasing a vintage port from my birth year (which shall remain nameless 😉 ), but I am old enough for it to have been beyond my budget, especially given that this is a tasting exercise, not a special event.