Wine is a beloved beverage with a long history that dates back thousands of years. It has evolved in many ways, including through the practice of fortification. Fortified wine is a type of wine that has had distilled spirits, typically brandy, added to it. This process not only enhances the wine’s flavor but also gives it a higher alcohol content. But how exactly is wine ? Let’s delve into the process.
The process of fortification begins with the base wine. This wine is typically made from grapes that have been crushed and fermented to produce alcohol. The winemaker carefully selects the grapes to ensure they have the desired characteristics for the base wine. It is important to choose grapes that have high acidity and moderate sweetness to balance out the addition of spirits.
Once the base wine is made, the winemaker decides on the type and amount of spirits to add. Brandy is the most commonly used spirit in fortifying wine due to its higher alcohol content and unique flavor profile. The brandy used is typically made from grapes as well, but it has been distilled to increase its alcohol content further.
To fortify the wine, the winemaker adds the brandy to the base wine. The addition is done gradually and in small increments to ensure the desired balance and characteristics are achieved. The brandy is usually added at the end of the fermentation process, stopping it before all the sugars have been converted into alcohol. This leaves some residual sweetness in the fortified wine.
The purpose of fortifying wine goes beyond simply raising the alcohol content. It also acts as a preservative, allowing the wine to age and develop more complexity over time. The addition of spirits prevents the growth of bacteria and other organisms that can spoil the wine. This is why fortified wines, such as Port and Sherry, can be aged for many years, even decades.
The fortification process also impacts the flavor profile of the wine. The addition of brandy gives the fortified wine a richer, fuller-bodied taste. The spirits infuse the wine with new flavors and aromas, adding complexity and depth. The unique combination of the base wine and the brandy creates a one-of-a-kind fortified wine that is distinct from any regular wine.
Different styles of fortified wine require different methods of fortification. Port wine, for example, is typically fortified with brandy during its fermentation process. This halts fermentation and results in a wine that is both sweet and high in alcohol. On the other hand, Sherry is created through a different process known as the solera system. In this method, a small amount of older wine is blended with newer wine and then fortified to create a consistent flavor profile.
In conclusion, the process of fortifying wine involves adding distilled spirits, usually brandy, to the base wine to enhance its flavor, increase its alcohol content, and act as a preservative. This process not only alters the taste of the wine but also allows it to age gracefully. Fortified wines like Port and Sherry have become renowned for their unique characteristics and are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts around the world.