Collection: FORTIFIED WINES

Sippify's fortified range is led by Galway Pipe: the Grand Tawny 12YO, Rum Barrel 15YO, Bourbon Barrel Tawny 10YO, Rare Tawny 25YO and Rare Muscat. Boronia Marsala All 'Uovo is also available — a traditional Australian-made Marsala in the classic style.

Tawny is a fortified wine aged oxidatively in oak, which gives it its russet colour and characteristic flavours of dried fruit, nuts and toffee. Australian producers use 'tawny' rather than 'port' because Port is a protected name reserved for fortified wine from the Douro Valley in Portugal. The style and craft are the same tradition — Galway Pipe's Grand Tawny averages 12 years in barrel.

Boronia Marsala All 'Uovo — 'with egg' — is a rich, smooth fortified wine with flavours of raisin, muscat grape and subtle caramel, balanced by fine acidity. It's a staple of Australian kitchens: essential in tiramisu and zabaglione, excellent in slow-cooked savoury dishes, and lovely poured alongside a sharp cheddar after dinner.

Far longer than table wine. Because fortified wines are higher in alcohol and often already oxidatively aged, a re-sealed bottle stored in a cool dark place will hold its character for several weeks and often months. Tawny in particular is very forgiving, which makes it a sensible bottle to have open through winter.

Christmas cake, dark chocolate, dried fruits and nuts are the classic matches, and a properly aged tawny alongside a strong blue cheese is one of the great combinations. Serve it slightly cooled, around 14–16°C, in a small glass. The Rum Barrel and Bourbon Barrel expressions also pair beautifully with a good cigar or a quiet evening.