McWilliams launches flavoured fortified wine range

McWilliam’s Wines has released a new range of flavoured fortifieds that seek to reinvigorate the category: McWilliam’s Strawberry Delight, McWilliam’s Spice Royale and McWilliam’s Espresso Press.

Russell Cody, McWilliam’s Senior Winemaker, has been making fortified wines for more than 10 years and wanted to create something innovative that would make these classic styles of wine appeal to a broader range of people interested.

Designed to be served straight, chilled, on-the-rocks, or as a mixer, the flavours are designed to appeal to a new generation of drinkers. Cody says that "not many younger people know what ‘tawny’ or ‘apera’ wines taste like – but they do know what espresso coffee or strawberries taste like. By combining the richness of fortified wine with new flavours to bring out the characteristics of the wine has really worked well."

"We worked hard on the packaging to reflect the history and heritage of ‘fortifieds’ within the McWilliam’s range – transporting the consumer back to a time when everyone was enjoying fortified wine but with a modern ‘retro feel’," he adds.

McWilliam's is currently working with mixologist Russ McFadden from the Speakeasy Group to create cocktail recipes for the new range.

"It’s fantastic to see more attention around the fortified category as well as exciting younger drinkers and expanding their palate and repertoire," McFadden said.

McWilliam’s Strawberry Delight is tart and with natural sweetness.

McWilliam’s Espresso Press combines deep and rich roast coffee bean flavour with a touch of dark chocolate balanced with a smooth finish.

McWilliam’s Spice Royale is smooth and warming, with hints of vanilla, brown sugar, dried fruit, cinnamon and oak.

Drinks Trade tried Spice Royale over the weekend, using the cocktail suggestion on the bottle, which mixed the product with ginger beer with bitters and lime juice. It was a moreish afternoon apertif!

The new Flavoured Fortified wines are available now at Dan Murphys, BWS and selected on premise outlets and are priced at $25 each.