The term ‘fortified wine’ encompasses various styles; in some cases, a particular variety can be produced in either a sweet or dry style. Sherry or apera (as it’s known in Australia), muscat, port (ruby, vintage and tawny), madeira and marsala are among well-known styles.
Today, Penfolds continues to focus on tawny styles, using the term “tawny” rather than “tawny port”, keeping with international trade agreements. Each of our tawnies is described by its “minimum average blended age”, with our 50 Year Old Rare Tawny having more richness, weight, and complexity than our Father Grand Tawny 10 Year Old . Penfolds Club and Club Reserves are much finer and fruit rich than our solera-aged Grandfathers. These differences are categorised by an Australian Wine Industry Classification, which outlines four step levels of quality (Australian, Classic, Grand and Rare) based on the minimum average age and character of the wine. Nonetheless, Penfolds Tawnies share the theme of freshness, authenticity, and full-bodied flavours.
