Fortified wine is a type of wine that has had additional alcohol added to it, typically brandy or distilled wine. It comes from various wine-producing regions and usually has an alcohol content ranging from 15% to 22%.
How it is made
Fortified wine is produced by adding alcohol to wine during or after fermentation. When alcohol is added during fermentation, it stops the process, leaving a sweet wine. When added after fermentation is complete, the result is a dry wine with higher alcohol content. These wines are typically made from grapes with high sugar content.
History
Fortification became widespread in the 17th and 18th centuries primarily to preserve wine during long sea voyages to colonial markets. Major fortified wine types like Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala developed distinct production techniques. Historically, Britain and Netherlands were key markets, with consumers actively investing in production. Premium fortified wines peaked in demand during the mid-19th century Victorian era.
Types and styles
Fortified wines include Port, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, and many dessert wines. They can be white, rosé, or red, and are classified as either table wines or vintage wines. A separate category includes aromatized wines like vermouth. In Russia and the former Soviet Union, fortified wines include Kagor and local equivalents of fortified wines from other regions.
How it is served
Fortified wines are typically served chilled between 10-18°C in small specialty glasses. They are commonly consumed as aperitifs or digestifs. These wines are also used in cocktails such as Negroni, Manhattan, Americano, and Porto Flip. Additionally, Madeira and Marsala are used as ingredients in cooking.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Креплёное вино, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kinds of fortified wine
- Aromatised wine (285 cocktails)
- Port wine (37 cocktails)
- Madeira wine (4 cocktails)
- Pineau des Charentes (3 cocktails)
- Flavored fortified wine
- Kagor
Other styles
- Vin doux naturel
- Bormotukha
Well-known brands
- Buckfast Tonic Wine
- Solntsedar (Algeria, Soviet Union)