in

The Mystery of Fortified Wines: Why They’re So Delicious

The world of wines can be intimidating to explore when you’re new to the drinking scene, especially if you don’t know much about what makes each type unique. Fortunately, fortified wines, such as port and sherry, have several features that make them stand out from the rest of the wine selection and provide you with a pleasant drinking experience. This article explains why fortified wines are so tasty and fun to drink and gives you some tips on selecting them at your local liquor store or bar when you’re ready to try something new!

What are fortified wines?

Fortified wines are a type of wine that have been fortified with a distilled spirit. The most common type is Port, which is made from grape wine and brandy, or Sherry, which is made from grape wine and sherry (a type of Spanish brandy). Brandy is typically used to fortify red wines such as Bordeaux or Burgundy. Spirits such as Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, and Scotch whisky are often added for white wines.

How do you know if a wine is fortified?

There are two types of wines that can be fortified. The first type is a wine that has been diluted with distilled spirits, such as brandy or bourbon. This is called liqueur wine. The second type is a wine that has had its alcohol increased by adding more grape juice and sugar to the finished product. This will typically cause it to have a higher alcohol content than regular wines.
In both cases, the fortification process can be done in one of two ways – either before or after fermentation. Regardless, once the process is complete, you’ll end up with a wine that typically contains about 20% to 25% alcohol by volume (ABV).

What are the different styles of fortified wines?

Fortified wines come in many different styles, but the most popular are Sherry and Port. Sherry is a wine made from white grapes that has been fortified with distilled grape brandy or distilled spirit. Port is a wine made from red grapes that has been fortified with distilled grape brandy or distilled spirit. A third example of a fortified wine would be Madeira, which is made by fortifying dry white wines with sweet wines.

When should you drink them?

Fortified wines are typically a type of wine that have been fortified with sugar, brandy, or other spirits to increase their alcohol content. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of port after dinner, enjoying a fortified dessert wine with your friends at the end of an evening, or simply imbibing while you work on your holiday shopping list, they will always be there for you in your time of need. The most common types are made from red wine and then sweetened with a distilled spirit like brandy or rum; white wine can also be fortified with other ingredients like fruit juice.

What makes a great fortifying wine?

A great fortifying wine is full-bodied with a high level of acidity. In fact, one way to test the quality of a fortifying wine is by pouring it into a clear glass, and then letting it evaporate. A truly great fortifying wine will leave behind two concentric rings on the surface. One ring will be from the wine’s acidity (which dissipates), and the other from its alcohol content (which does not).
A good example would be Port, which has 17% alcohol content and an average acidity level of 3%.

How do you make them at home?

There are several different ways you can make fortified wine at home, depending on what ingredients you want to use. One way is to take any bottle of dry red or white wine, add a cup of Port or Sherry, and let it sit for six months. Another way is to take two cups of Port or Sherry, plus a cup each of sugar and water and mix them together, then pour the mixture into a gallon jug and fill it with dry red or white wine. You can also just buy pre-mixed fortified wine from the store if that’s easier for you.

Share: