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10 Tips to Make Fortified Wines Taste Even Better

Tawny port, sherry, Madeira, and Marsala are all fortified wines with extra alcohol added to their fermentation in order to preserve the wine. The fortification process also adds some unique flavors and aromas that can change the way the wine tastes. However, there are some simple steps that you can take to make fortified wines taste better when you drink them at home. This article will show you 10 simple tips to make fortified wines taste even better when you drink them after cooking with them or as an after-dinner drink.

1) First: a Few Words About Fortified Wine

Fortified wine is a type of wine that has been fortified with distilled alcohol. It’s usually made by adding brandy, sherry, or port to lower-alcohol wines such as red table wines. The alcohol acts as a preservative and can increase the wine’s flavor and body.

2) How To Store Fortified Wine

In order to make your fortified wines taste as good as possible, it is important that they are stored properly. It is a good idea to store them in a cool, dark place where there is minimal temperature fluctuation and where the humidity levels are low. For example, one might store them in their basement or on the top shelf of their pantry. If you have a wine cellar, that would be even better!

3) The Right Glassware

The best thing about using a wine glass is that it can really enhance the aroma of your fortified wine, which might not be very strong on its own. The next best thing about using a wine glass is that it will keep your fortified wines from spilling, which is always a good thing when you’re entertaining guests or just having a drink by yourself.

4) Use a Decanter – Or Not?

Many people decide whether or not they should use a decanter based on how they prefer the taste of their wine. To help make the decision, there are several factors to consider.
The most important factor is that fortified wines typically have higher alcohol content than other types of wine, which can change over time as it interacts with oxygen and CO2 in the air. If you do not use a decanter, this will cause some of the wine’s flavors to be altered.

5) Forget About Age Statements

One of the most common myths when it comes to drinking fortified wines is that the older, the better. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, different styles of fortified wine are all produced for a specific time in one’s life and certain occasions. So, if you’re still holding onto your 25 year old port as an investment for your retirement years, chances are you’ll be disappointed with its taste. But if you drink it now? You may just find a new favorite!

6) Try Something New

One of the best ways to try something new is by trying a fortified wine. You can do this by going out and buying some at a store or making your own! Making your own is one of the easiest methods. All you need are two cups of fruit, sugar, water, yeast, and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Combine the fruit with water in a pot on the stove until it’s soft enough for it to blend together.

7) Don’t Overdo It (with the Port!)

Port is a fortified wine that was originally popular in England and has been gaining in popularity as of late. The reason for this is because it has an extremely sweet and rich flavor that can be a great addition to desserts. However, if you use too much port in your dessert, then you will have trouble tasting anything else on the plate. This is why it’s important not to overdo it with the port when cooking with it or eating with it!

8) Ice is In, but Not Always Needed

  • Drink chilled or at room temperature.
  • Keep it simple with a wine glass or tumbler, not a cocktail glass.
  • Drink it alone, without food pairing or hors d’oeuvres.
  • Keep your glass close by and don’t fill it more than halfway up each time you pour yourself some more of the good stuff.

9) Serve at the Proper Temperature

When it comes to serving temperature, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way. As a general rule, most wine experts recommend serving white wines at temperatures between 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit and red wines at between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. In the case of fortified wines (such as Port or Sherry), the serving temperature should be around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

10) Brunch with Friends!

What could be better on a chilly Saturday morning than a good brunch with friends? Throw in some fortifying alcohol, and you’ve got yourself the perfect occasion. However, not all fortified wines are created equal: some may taste bitter or sour.

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