About Wine Specialty

About Wine Specialty
Wine Specialty is a category for higher alcohol wine based on aperitifs with a variety of flavorings that are sold in the spirits channel, but are not traditional fortified wines. This includes fruit aperitifs from Poland at 36 proof made from cherry and peach; Pineau des Charentes, a French aperitif made from wine grapes and Cognac eau-de-vie, and spiced dessert wine, made from herbs steeped in sweet wine. These specialty wines can have multiple purposes, be it drinking on their own, use in cocktails or even in cooking.

Top Picks for Wine Specialty

Dubbonnet Rouge Wine Aperitif
94 points
$17
Best Buy
Poured over ice, used in cocktails, or as an excellent addition to a punch, this is sure to please.
Awards: 2022 Top 2 Wine Specialty
94 points $17 Best Buy
Haus Pomegranate Rosemary Aperitif Wine
94 points
$35
A fun, fruity and herbaceous aperitif that will be a delicious after dinner sipper, as well as a great addition to a Gin Martini or Spritz.
Awards: 2022 Top 2 Wine Specialty
Haus Rose Rosé Aperitif Wine
93 points
$35
A sweet after dinner sipper for the Rosé lover that would be great in a Spritz.
Haus Grapefruit Jalapeño Aperitif Wine
92 points
$35
Bitter citrus fruit rounds out with hints of green vegetables and has a slight jalapeño spice kick on the finish that would play great in cocktails or served neat.
Lillet Rosé
90 points
$11
Best Buy
A mouthwatering and snappy Sangria-like aperitif to enjoy on the rocks on a hot Summer day.
90 points $11 Best Buy
Lillet Blanc
90 points
$11
Best Buy
An artfully composed, fruit-forward aromatized wine that calls for a citrus-forward cocktail accompaniment.
90 points $11 Best Buy
Orchard Grove Peach Aperitif Wine
90 points
$24
A rich and peachy treat that will accentuate all manner of Summer cocktails.
Rinquinquin Peach Wine Specialty Aperitif
90 points
$16
Best Buy
A pleasing sipper that will shine in a spritz over ice; pair with a light salad.
90 points $16 Best Buy
Lillet Rouge
89 points
$11
Best Buy
A pleasant red-wine-based aperitif for cocktails and Kir Royales.
89 points $11 Best Buy
Haus Citrus Flower Aperitif Wine
87 points
$35
This would make a fun twist on a herbaceous Vesper.