Flavored fortified wine

Flavored Fortified Wine

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A bottle of flavored fortified wine

Flavored fortified wine is a type of wine that has been fortified with a distilled spirit, such as brandy, and flavored with various ingredients. This type of wine is often sweet and high in alcohol content.

History

The practice of fortifying wine dates back to the Roman Empire, when wine was often mixed with honey and spices to preserve it during long sea voyages. The modern practice of fortifying wine with distilled spirits began in the 18th century, when Port and Sherry became popular.

Production

Flavored fortified wines are produced by adding a distilled spirit, usually brandy, to wine. This increases the alcohol content and stops the fermentation process, resulting in a sweeter wine. Various flavorings, such as herbs, spices, fruits, and nuts, are then added to the wine.

Types of Flavored Fortified Wine

There are many types of flavored fortified wines, including:

• Port: A sweet red wine from Portugal that is fortified with brandy.
• Sherry: A fortified wine from Spain that can be dry or sweet, depending on the type of grapes used.
• Vermouth: A fortified wine flavored with various botanicals, including roots, barks, flowers, seeds, herbs, and spices.
• Madeira: A fortified wine from the Madeira Islands that is heated and oxidized, giving it a unique flavor.

Health Effects

While moderate consumption of wine can have certain health benefits, flavored fortified wines are high in alcohol and sugar, which can lead to health problems if consumed in excess.

See Also

• List of wine styles
• Dessert wine
• Aromatized wine