SAVOUR A LAST HEAVENLY SIP...

Helen McGinn recommends the pick of the fortified wines this Christmas

Now for something completely different – not to mention a little boozier. Yes, it’s time to talk wines that are fortified with spirit to make them stronger and, in some cases, sweeter. Famous examples include sherry, port and madeira, but there are plenty of other places you’ll find fabulous fortified wines.

Take Australia, where the fortified muscat wines of Rutherglen are considered by many (including me!) to be among the greatest sweet wines in the world. In fact, it’s almost impossible to finish a glass. Not because it’s too rich – but because when you think you’ve had the last sip, the wine clings to the glass. Put it down and, before you know it, there’s another last sip. Heavenly! These wines really come into their own when there’s pudding, chocolate or cheese on the table. Or ideally, all three…

TESCO FINEST 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT £12.50

Tesco There are lots of different styles of port, but tawny is one of the most delicious and versatile, taking you from lightly chilled aperitif alongside a bowl of nuts to a sliver of Comté cheese at the end of the evening. Sweet, mellow, nutty gorgeousness.

CAMPBELLS RUTHERGLEN MUSCAT £12.99

(37.5cl) Waitrose Cellar The Campbell family have been making famously good Rutherglen muscat wines for generations, using a sherry-inspired “solera” system to age them. The result? Like liquid gold — rich, decadent, and with nutty, caramel flavours, but freshness, too. A must with Christmas pud.

No 1 DON LUIS FINO DEL PUERTO LUSTAU DRY SHERRY £11.99

Waitrose Cellar This classic style of sherry is here on fine form. Bone-dry and bursting with flavour, it smells like bread and tastes of apples, with a searing freshness that has you reaching for the salted almonds.

Delicious.

SPECIALLY SELECTED CREAM SHERRY £5.49

(37.5cl) Aldi One of my greatest pleasures at Christmas is a glass of cream sherry and it’s not even a guilty one! Most sherry is dry, but I love the unctuous sweetness of this style and it works a treat with trifle — both in it and on the side.