Fortified Wine

Beginner Wine Styles & Types

Definition

Wine with added grape spirit, raising alcohol to 15-22%.

In Depth

Fortification was originally a preservation technique for long sea voyages. The timing of spirit addition determines sweetness — early addition preserves more sugar (Port), late addition yields drier wine (dry Sherry). Major fortified styles: Port (Douro), Sherry (Jerez), Madeira, Marsala, Vin Doux Naturel (southern France), and Rutherglen Muscat (Australia).

Details

Category
Wine Styles & Types
Difficulty
Beginner

Part of the Beverage FYI Family

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