Fortified wine is a type of wine to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy, has been added during or after fermentation. This process increases the wine’s alcohol content and enhances its flavor and stability, making it ideal for aging and cooking.
Common types of fortified wine include:
- Port. A sweet wine from Portugal, often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
- Sherry: A versatile Spanish wine, available in styles ranging from dry (Fino) to sweet (Pedro Ximénez).
- Madeira: A robust, heat-aged wine from Portugal, known for its caramelized flavors.
- Marsala: An Italian wine often used in cooking to create rich, flavorful sauces.
- Vermouth: An aromatized wine infused with herbs and spices, commonly used in cocktails.
Fortified wines are valued for their complex flavors, long shelf life, and culinary versatility, bringing depth to both sweet and savory dishes.
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