Fortified wines continue to be underappreciated considering how value driven and downright delicious they can be. One of 2018’s fortified wine entries to Ultimate Wine Challenge with a high score of 94 Points was Claque-Pepin Pommeau de Normandie. Made by blending fresh apple cider with Calvados, this style of wine is full of rich apple flavor and comes in just under 20% abv. Enjoyed on its own or used to spike hot mulled cider, it is a treasure during the Autumn and Winter months.
"This luscious, incredibly complex aperitif is bursting with notes of dates, raisins, roasted walnuts and iodine. The palate is viscous but not syrupy, with flavors of poached pear, burned sugar and sweet spice. The finish lasts for minutes after the sip."
