Fortified wine is a type of wine that has had a distilled spirit, usually brandy, added to it during or after fermentation. This process increases the wine’s alcohol content and often its sweetness, resulting in a rich, flavorful drink that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food.
Types of Fortified Wines
- Port: Originating from Portugal, Port is a sweet fortified wine, typically red, with flavors ranging from ripe berries to chocolate. It’s often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
- Sherry: A fortified wine from Spain, Sherry ranges from dry (like Fino or Manzanilla) to sweet (Pedro Ximénez or Cream Sherry), with nutty, tangy flavors.
- Madeira: From the Madeira Islands, this wine is known for its resilience and can be dry or sweet. It has flavors of caramel, nuts, and dried fruit, often with a hint of smokiness.
- Marsala: An Italian fortified wine from Sicily, Marsala can be dry or sweet, with flavors of apricot, vanilla, and brown sugar. It’s often used in cooking or as an after-dinner wine.
- Vermouth: A fortified wine infused with botanicals and herbs, Vermouth can be sweet (red) or dry (white). It’s commonly used in cocktails like Martinis or Negronis.
How Fortified Wine is Made
The process involves adding a distilled spirit, usually brandy, to the wine during or after fermentation:
- During fermentation: When the spirit is added before the wine fully ferments, it halts the process, leaving residual sugars, which result in a sweeter wine (e.g., Port).
- After fermentation: Adding the spirit after fermentation creates a drier wine, as all the sugars have been converted to alcohol (e.g., Fino Sherry).
Alcohol Content
Fortified wines generally have a higher alcohol content, ranging from 15% to 22% ABV, due to the addition of distilled spirits.
Serving Fortified Wines
- Fortified wines are often served in smaller pours due to their rich, concentrated flavors and higher alcohol levels.
- Sweet fortified wines are ideal for pairing with desserts, cheese, or enjoyed as a dessert in themselves, while drier options can be paired with savory dishes or sipped as an aperitif.
Fortified wines offer diverse styles and flavors, making them versatile for sipping, pairing with food, or adding complexity to cocktails.
