Fortified wines have had brandy added to them. The most commonly known ones are Marsala, Sherry, Madeira and Port. The fortification process was originally developed to help “inferior” wines have a longer storage life. Because fortified wines have a somewhat higher alcohol content than normal wine, their tastes hold up better in cooking. Once opened,…
Fortified Wine
Madeira Wine
Madeira wine is heated in tanks, then aged in wood casks. The lightest Madeira is called “sercial”, the medium one is called “verdelho”, and the strongest and sweetest one is called “boal.” Literature & Lore The name comes from Madeira Island, which is off the Portuguese coast.
Vermouth
Vermouth is wine that has been flavoured and fortified; the flavouring used will vary from maker to maker. The wines used are lesser-quality wines, whose taste is improved by the herbs and fruits used to flavour it. There are two main kinds of Vermouth; dry (also called French or white) with an average alcohol content…