A glass of fortified wine on a wooden table with herbs and a vintage brown bottle in soft, warm lighting.

FORTIFIED & AROMATIZED WINES

Ancient Technique — Modern Intrigue

Fortified and aromatized wines are the unsung heroes of the back bar—low-ABV, flavor-rich, and deeply rooted in cocktail tradition. Made by infusing wine with herbs, roots, spices, and sometimes bittering agents, then fortifying with spirit, these bottles offer depth, balance, and complexity. From crisp dry vermouths to gentian-charged Americanos and quinine-laced Quinquinas, these wines bridge the gap between aperitif and mixer, supporting everything from martinis and Negronis to spritzes, sours, and low-proof drinks.

Whether you’re building with vermouth, layering with Cocchi Americano, or reaching for fino sherry in a Bamboo, fortified and aromatized wines bring structure, subtlety, and serious bar credibility.

People sitting at a table with wine glasses in a dimly lit restaurant or bar.

Learning Never Tasted So Good