Fortified

Fortified wine is a type of wine that has been fortified with additional alcohol, usually brandy. This process increases the alcohol content of the wine and also adds a unique flavor profile. Fortified wines are typically served as aperitifs or dessert wines and are often enjoyed with cheese or chocolate.

There are several different types of fortified wines, each with their own unique characteristics. One of the most popular types of fortified wine is port. Port is a sweet, red wine that is typically served as a dessert wine. It is produced in the Douro Valley in Portugal and is made from a blend of different grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca. Some of the most famous brands of port include Taylor’s, Fonseca, and Graham’s.

Another popular type of fortified wine is sherry. Sherry is a dry, white wine that is produced in the Jerez region of Spain. It is made from the Palomino grape and is aged in oak barrels using a unique solera system. Sherry can be enjoyed as an aperitif or as a dessert wine and pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood, cheese, and nuts. Some of the most famous brands of sherry include Tio Pepe, Lustau, and Gonzalez Byass.

Madeira is another type of fortified wine that is produced on the island of Madeira, which is located off the coast of Portugal. Madeira is a sweet, rich wine that is typically served as a dessert wine. It is made from a variety of grape varieties, including Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. Madeira is aged in oak barrels and is known for its unique flavor profile, which includes notes of caramel, nuts, and dried fruit. Some of the most famous brands of Madeira include Blandy’s, Henriques & Henriques, and Justino’s.

Vermouth is a type of fortified wine that is flavored with a variety of herbs and spices. It is typically served as an aperitif and is often used as an ingredient in cocktails, such as the martini and the Manhattan. Vermouth can be either sweet or dry and is made from a variety of grape varieties, including Muscat and Trebbiano. Some of the most famous brands of vermouth include Martini & Rossi, Cinzano, and Carpano.

Finally, there is Marsala, a fortified wine that is produced in the region of Marsala in Sicily, Italy. Marsala is a sweet, amber-colored wine that is typically served as a dessert wine. It is made from a blend of different grape varieties, including Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia. Marsala is aged in oak barrels and is known for its unique flavor profile, which includes notes of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit. Some of the most famous brands of Marsala include Florio, Pellegrino, and Donnafugata.