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The Complete Guide to Fortified Wines: Types, History, and Tasting Notes
The Complete Guide to Fortified Wines: Types, History, and Tasting Notes
Jun 26, 2025
What Are Fortified Wines? Fortified wines are produced by adding neutral grape spirit (typically brandy) to wine during or after fermentation. This process serves multiple purposes: it stops fermentation when added early (preserving natural grape sweetness), increases alcohol content to 15-22%, and creates wines with exceptional aging potential. The fortification process was originally developed as a preservation method for wines that needed to survive long sea voyages. Today, it's celebrated as an art form that produces some of the world's most age-worthy and food-friendly wines.
The Rich Heritage of McLaren Vale Fortified Wines: A Journey Through Tawny and Vintage Port Traditions
The Rich Heritage of McLaren Vale Fortified Wines: A Journey Through Tawny and Vintage Port Traditions
Jun 02, 2025
McLaren Vale's reputation today rests largely on its exceptional red winesā€”bold Shiraz, elegant Grenache, and structured Cabernet Sauvignon that have earned international acclaim. However, long before the region became synonymous with premium table wines, McLaren Vale was building its foundation on an entirely different style of wine: fortified wines. These rich, complex, and long-lived wines not only shaped the early character of McLaren Vale but also represent some of the region's most distinguished and historically significant expressions.