Flavored fortified wine is an inexpensive fortified wine with added artificial flavors, sugar, and color. Made from various fruits including grapes and citrus, it typically has an alcohol content between 13% and 20% ABV.
How it is made
Flavored fortified wines are produced by adding alcohol, sugar, artificial flavorings, and coloring to wines made from various fruits. The process creates a sweet, syrupy beverage with an alcohol content ranging from 13% to 20% ABV. Some brands contain additional ingredients like caffeine, as seen in Buckfast Tonic Wine.
History
The popularity of cheap fortified wines in the United States began in the 1930s during Prohibition and the Great Depression. These wines were more available than regular wine and became America's number one wine. Brands like Thunderbird and Wild Irish Rose emerged during this period, with the term 'wino' coming into use to describe those who consumed these beverages regularly.
Types and styles
Flavored fortified wines include numerous brands with varying alcohol content and flavors. Notable examples include MD 20/20 (13-18% ABV), Thunderbird (13-18% ABV), Cisco (13.9-19.5% ABV), Night Train Express (17.5% ABV), and Richards Wild Irish Rose (13.9-18% ABV). Other brands mentioned include Ripple, Bormotukha, Solntsedar, and Wild Russian Vanya.
How it is served
These wines are typically consumed straight from the bottle, though some consumers mix them with other ingredients like fruit juice. The sweet flavors and low cost make them appealing to certain demographics, though they often carry a negative reputation associated with homelessness and alcohol abuse. No cocktails using these wines are listed on this site.
Kinds of flavored fortified wine
Other styles
- Ripple
Well-known brands
- Night Train Express
- Cisco (United States)