Sweet and fortified wines have long been favourites among wine professionals – and the IWSC 2025 results showed exactly why.
Of the 174 entries from 19 countries, 154 were awarded medals, reflecting an impressive 88% success rate. Spain and Portugal dominated the category, accounting for 57% of entries and most of the top-performing wines. A total of 27 Gold medals were awarded, with Sherry, Port, and Madeira leading the charge.
Texture Takes Centre Stage
Judges noted subtle evolutions taking place. Mick O’Connell MW highlighted a noticeable shift in quality: “We’ve tasted really high-quality wines this year, and at this level, it’s not just about acid providing contrast against sweetness – producers are also using texture to create that counterpoint.” This dry extract, particularly evident in the Madeira flights, adds a structural dimension that expands food-pairing potential beyond traditional end-of-meal occasions.
The Commercial Opportunity
Despite their quality, sweet and fortified wines remain underrepresented in modern wine lists. “Port Tawny 30Y and 40Y, and Madeira were the highlights,” said judge Beatrice Bessi. “I just hope to see them more in the market – higher quality in the affordable range”David Round MWechoed this sentiment, noting “the tawny ports were consistently high-scoring, showing consistent quality,” while also praising a Gold-winning white port as “a superbly balanced, complete wine – a style I don’t often see.”
There’s untapped value for buyers, sommeliers and importers. These wines offer layered complexity, longevity and premium cues at accessible prices. Curated flights, food-pairing menus and storytelling around provenance are essential tools for reintroducing fortified wines to younger audiences.
Global Potential
The category’s future is not limited to Iberia. Judges praised top entries from outside Spain and Portugal, including South Africa and Australia. “There is so much potential for these wines,” said Salvatore Castano, “and I hope the new generation will help a bit more in considering fortified wines.”Giuseppe D’Aniello added that “the white port flight was very impressive” and praised the best Madeiras as “organised, impressive, and unusual” with “flavour definition and terroir character.”
Judges noted potential for new drinking occasions: dry Sherries as aperitifs, off-dry Madeiras alongside savoury starters and vintage fortifieds served by the glass in premium bars.
As wine lists become more adventurous and consumers seek authenticity and value, this category is ripe for revival. “It’s not about trends,” said Alistair Cooper MW. “It’s about mastery, and these wines are masterful.”
A list of gold medal winning wines appears below. The full results can be viewed on our website.
Primary ScoreProducerEntry NameCountry of OriginRegion97Morris WinesOld Premium Rare Muscat NVAustraliaVictoria97D’OliveirasVerdelho 2001PortugalMadeira96Emilio Lustau30 YO Cream NVSpainAndalucia96Emilio Lustau30 YO Pedro Ximénez NVSpainAndalucia96Sogevinus Fine WinesBarros 30 YO Tawny NVPortugalPort96Estate ArgyrosVinsanto Late Release 2004GreeceAegean Islands96Sogevinus Fine WinesBurmester 40 YO Tawny NVPortugalPort96Morris WinesCellar Reserve Grand Muscat NVAustraliaVictoria96ValdespinoDon Gonzalo 20 YO Oloroso NVSpainAndalucia96Sogevinus Fine WinesKopke Colheita 1966PortugalPort95Bodegas Tradición20 YO Cream NVSpainAndalucia95De BortoliClassic Muscat NVAustraliaVictoria95Menin20 YO NVPortugalPort95Emilio Lustau30 YO Moscatel NVSpainAndalucia95D’OliveirasBoal 1986PortugalMadeira95Bodegas FundadorHarveys 30 YO Oloroso Medium NVSpainAndalucia95Bodegas FundadorHarveys 30 YO Palo Cortado Medium NVSpainAndalucia95Bodegas FundadorHarveys 30 YO Pedro Ximénez NVSpainAndalucia95InniskillinGold Icewine Vidal 2022CanadaOntario95Sogevinus Fine WinesKopke 30 YO Tawny NVPortugalPort95Sogevinus Fine WinesKopke Colheita 1976PortugalPort95Chateau ChizayLate Harvest Furmint 2022UkraineZakarpattia95Morris WinesOld Premium Rare Tawny NVAustraliaVictoria95De BortoliShow Liqueur Muscat NVAustraliaNot Applicable95TriusShowcase Icewine Riesling 2023CanadaOntario95Yvon MauTesco Finest 2016FranceBordeaux95ValdespinoSolera 1842 20YO Oloroso Dulce NVSpainAndalucia