Fortified wines

Fortified wines are a type of wine that have had a distilled spirit, usually brandy, added to them. This process of fortification gives these wines a higher alcohol content and a distinctive flavor. Fortified wines have a long history, with roots in the ancient world, and they continue to be popular in the modern era.

History

The practice of fortifying wines dates back to the Roman Empire, when wine was often mixed with honey and spices to create a potent drink known as mulsum. However, the modern practice of fortifying wines with distilled spirits began in the 16th century, when Portugal and Spain began producing Port wine and Sherry respectively. These wines were fortified to ensure they would survive long sea voyages.

Types of Fortified Wines

There are several types of fortified wines, each with its own unique characteristics and production methods.

Port

Port wine, or simply Port, is a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley in Portugal. It is typically a sweet, red wine, but can also come in dry, semi-dry, and white varieties.

Sherry

Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. Sherry is produced in a variety of styles, ranging from light and dry to heavier and sweeter wines.

Madeira

Madeira is a fortified wine made on the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago. Madeira is unique among fortified wines in that it is often subjected to heat and oxidation, which gives it a distinctive flavor.

Marsala

Marsala is a fortified wine produced in the region surrounding the city of Marsala, in Sicily, Italy. Marsala is most commonly used in cooking, and is a key ingredient in many Italian dishes.

Production

The production of fortified wines involves the addition of a distilled spirit, usually brandy, to the wine. This is typically done before the fermentation process has finished, which results in a wine with a higher residual sugar content and a higher alcohol content.

Consumption and Pairing

Fortified wines can be enjoyed on their own, or paired with food. They are often served as a dessert wine, but can also be paired with a variety of dishes, depending on the style of the wine.

See Also

• Wine
• Dessert wine
• Brandy
• Distillation