Fortified wines have been around for centuries, and they continue to be popular today. There are many reasons why people enjoy all kinds of fortified wines, including their complex flavour profiles and their potential health benefits.
Fortified wines are effectively made by adding a distilled spirit to wine, which raises the alcohol content and creates a unique flavour profile. This type of wine is often used in cooking, as it can add depth and richness to dishes.
In addition to this, fortified wines are thought to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and boosting heart health. For these reasons, it’s no surprise that fortified wines are so popular among wine lovers.
There are several other reasons why people enjoy fortified wine. The added spirits give the wine a richer, more complex flavour that many find irresistible. The higher alcohol content also makes fortified wines perfect for sipping slowly and savouring the flavour. And because fortified wines are often sweeter than regular wines, they can be a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Where did fortified wine originate?
Fortified wines were first created in the 16th century when winemakers began adding brandy to their wines in order to prevent them from spoilage during long voyages.
Today, fortified wines are still made using this method, as well as with the addition of other spirits such as vodka or rum. In addition to prolonging shelf life, the added alcohol content also gives fortified wines their characteristic sweetness and richness.
The earliest known instance of fortified wine comes from ancient Greece, where it was common to add brandy to wine as a way of preserving it. This practice spread to Rome, and then to the rest of Europe.
Fortified wine became especially popular in England during the Middle Ages when it was often used as communion wine. Today, fortified wine is produced in many regions around the world. The most famous examples include Port and Sherry from Portugal and Spain, respectively.
The different types of fortified wine
Although fortified wines originated in Europe, they are now produced all over the world. The most common types of fortified wines are Port, Sherry, Madeira, Moscatel, and Marsala. As we stated above, Port is a red wine that is typically produced in Portugal. It is often sweetened with brandy or another distilled spirit. Sherry is a white wine that is produced in Spain. It has a dry, nutty flavour and is often used in cooking.
As for the others, Madeira is a fortified wine that is produced on the island of Madeira, off the coast of Portugal. It has a unique flavour that is often described as “burnt” or “smoky.” Moscatel is a sweet, fortified wine that is produced in Spain and Portugal. Marsala is a fortified wine that is produced in Sicily, Italy. It has a rich, honeyed flavour and as such, is also often used in cooking.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet dessert wine or a dry cooking wine, there’s sure to be a fortified wine that suits your taste.
How has fortified wine evolved over the centuries?
Fortified wine has been around for centuries, and its popularity has waxed and waned over the years. It was originally created as a way to preserve wine, by adding distilled alcohol to the mix. This made the wine more shelf-stable and prevented it from turning sour.
The extended shelf-life of fortified wine is also what made it a highly popular export in the 18th and 19th centuries. Fortified wine was particularly popular amongst sailors, who would add brandy to their wine ration to prevent scurvy during longer voyages.
Today, fortified wine is most commonly associated with dessert wines like port and sherry. These sweet, syrupy drinks are often served after a meal, or used as an ingredient in baking.
While fortified wine can be used for cooking or even enjoyed on its own, it is also frequently used in mixed drinks and cocktails. For example, vermouth is a type of fortified wine that is commonly used in martinis. Whether you enjoy it straight up or in a mixed drink, fortified wine is a delicious and versatile addition to any home bar.
Although fortified wine is not as popular as it once was, it still has a place in the modern world. Thanks to its unique flavour and versatility, fortified wine is sure to be around for many centuries to come.
What foods are fortified wine best paired with?
Fortified wines are typically enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif or aperitif and are often served in small glasses. When it comes to pairing fortified wine with food, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the strong flavour of fortified wine can easily overwhelm delicate dishes, so it is best paired with bolder flavours.
Second, the sweetness of fortified wine can boost the sweetness of dessert wines, making them an ideal match for fruit-based desserts or chocolate.
Finally, the high alcohol content of fortified wine means that it should be consumed in moderation. A little bit goes a long way.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your next meal is perfectly paired with fortified wine.
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Digital Next.
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