Fortified Wine for Dummies

Fortified wine is a type of wine that has been strengthened or enhanced by the addition of a special distilled spirit, usually brandy. Now, let me break it down for you in simpler terms. You know how a superhero gets stronger when they put on their special costume or use their superpowers? Well, fortified wine is just like that! It's a regular wine that has been given an extra boost to make it stronger and more powerful.

So, here's how it works: when the regular wine is almost finished fermenting (which is when the sugar in the grapes turns into alcohol), the winemaker adds a small amount of brandy to it. This brandy is like the superhero costume that makes the wine extra special. The brandy is really strong and has a higher percentage of alcohol than the regular wine. When it gets added to the wine, it gives it a stronger flavor and a higher alcohol content.

Now, let's talk about why winemakers do this. You see, when regular wine is made, it usually has an alcohol content of around 12-14%. But when brandy is added to make fortified wine, the alcohol content can be as high as 20%. This makes the wine more stable and able to last longer. It's like giving the wine a superpower to resist going bad or getting spoiled. So, people can enjoy fortified wines even after they've been opened for a while.

There are different types of fortified wine, with a few popular examples being Port, Sherry, and Madeira. Each of these wines has its own unique taste and characteristics, but they all have that extra boost of brandy to make them special. Fortified wines can be enjoyed on their own as a drink or paired with certain foods to enhance the flavors.

To summarize, fortified wine is like regular wine that has been turned into a superhero by adding a special brandy. This brandy makes the wine stronger, more stable, and gives it a unique flavor. So, when you hear the term "fortified wine," just think of it as wine with superpowers!