Fortified wines are among the most fascinating treasures of the wine world. These unique wines, often rich in aroma and history, offer an unforgettable experience. Whether it's a generous Port, a subtle Sherry or other natural sweet wines, they are the perfect complement to a wine tasting or a festive meal.
What is fortified wine?
A fortified wine is a wine to which alcohol (usually brandy) is added to increase its alcohol content and stabilize its structure.
1. Origin of the process
This technique was developed to preserve wines during transport, particularly on long sea voyages.
2. Difference from classic wines
Fortified wines are distinguished by their higher alcohol content (15-22%) and concentrated aromas.
3. Types of fortified wine
The main fortified wines include Port, Sherry, Madeira and Marsala.
The different types of fortified wine to know
1. Porto
Port is one of the most famous fortified wines, originating in Portugal's Douro region.
- Caractéristiques: Rich flavors of black fruits, spices, sometimes hints of walnut or caramel.
- Styles: Ruby (fruity and young), Tawny (barrel-aged, with dried fruit aromas) and Vintage (great years, to age).
- Pairings: Perfect with chocolate desserts, blue cheeses or on its own at the end of a meal.
2. Sherry (Xérès)
Originally from Spain, Sherry is a multi-faceted fortified wine that is often underestimated.
- Characteristics: Aromas of nuts, dried fruits, sometimes a salty touch depending on the style.
- Styles: Fino (dry and light), Amontillado (richer), Pedro Ximénez (sweet and intense).
- Pairings: Ideal with tapas, roasted almonds or sweet desserts.
3. Madeira
Madeira comes from the Portuguese island of the same name. It is famous for its longevity and unique aromas.
- Caractéristiques: Notes of caramel, dried fruit, spices.
- Styles: Dry (Sercial) to mild (Malmsey).
- Pairings: Enjoy with dried fruit, sweet and savory dishes or desserts.
4. Marsala
Originally from Sicily, Marsala is an Italian fortified wine, often used in cooking but also excellent for tasting.
- Caractéristiques: Complex flavours of caramel, figs and vanilla.
- Styles: Dry or soft, depending on use.
- Pairings: Perfect with Mediterranean dishes or desserts such as tiramisu.
Natural sweet wines: a category similar to fortified wines
Natural sweet wines, often confused with fortified wines, are distinguished by their production method.
1. Main difference
Natural sweet wines, such as Muscat de Rivesaltes or Banyuls, are made by stopping fermentation with alcohol to preserve the grapes' natural sugar content.
2. Popular styles
- Muscat: Ideal for aperitifs or fruity desserts.
- Banyuls: Perfect with chocolate desserts or rich dishes.
3. Perfect tuning
These wines pair well with desserts and sweet and savory dishes, offering a beautiful harmony.
How to enjoy a wine tasting with fortified wines?
A wine tasting featuring fortified wines reveals a wealth of aromas.
1. Prepare your tasting area
- Suitable glasses: Use stemmed glasses to concentrate aromas.
- Temperature: Serve wines slightly chilled for sweet styles and at room temperature for dry styles.
2. Taste in order of strength
Start with the light wines (Fino, Muscat) and finish with the more intense ones (Vintage Port, sweet Madeira).
3. Take notes
Write down your impressions to compare flavors and find your preferences.
Mistakes to avoid with fortified wines
1. Keep them too long after opening
Most fortified wines oxidize rapidly after opening. Drink them within two weeks, except in exceptional cases.
2. Neglecting food and wine pairings
A poor match can mask the wine's unique flavours.
3. Underestimate their complexity
Certain styles, such as Sherry or Marsala, deserve in-depth exploration to reveal their full richness.
Current trends in fortified wines
1. Back in popularity
Fortified wines, long forgotten, are back in the spotlight thanks to their diversity and history.
2. Culinary experiences
Many chefs incorporate these wines into their recipes, adding a depth of flavor.
3. Exploring lesser-known terroirs
Regions such as Australia and South Africa are now producing excellent fortified wines for you to discover.
Conclusion: discover the richness of fortified wines
Fortified wines and vins doux naturels offer a unique diversity of flavors and experiences. Whether for a wine tasting or a convivial meal, they add a touch of sophistication and authenticity. Take the time to explore the different varieties to enrich your knowledge and delight your taste buds.
If you enjoyed this article, please read the following article "How to organize your home wine cellar efficiently", which may also be of interest to you!
