What is fortified wine?

Fortified Wine: A Deeper Dive

Fortified wine is a type of wine to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy, is added. This addition increases the alcohol content, typically to between 17% and 22% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Production: The fortification process can occur at various stages of production, leading to different styles:

• During Fermentation: Adding spirit during fermentation halts the process, leaving residual sugar. This results in a sweeter wine, such as some styles of Port.

• After Fermentation: Fortifying after fermentation creates a drier wine. Sherry is a prominent example.

Common Types: Some popular examples of fortified wines include:

• Port: From Portugal, known for its sweetness and richness.
• Sherry: From Spain, ranging from very dry to sweet styles.
• Madeira: From Portugal, characterized by its unique heated aging process.
• Marsala: From Italy, used in both cooking and as a dessert wine.
• Vermouth: An aromatized fortified wine, flavored with various botanicals. Commonly used in cocktails.

Uses: Fortified wines are enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Aperitifs: Dry sherries and vermouths are often served as aperitifs.
• Dessert Wines: Port, sweet sherries, and Madeira are enjoyed as dessert wines.
• Cocktail Ingredients: Vermouth and other fortified wines are essential components in classic cocktails.
• Cooking: Marsala and sherry are used in cooking to add flavor to sauces and dishes.