WHAT ARE FORTIFIED WINES AND WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE
Fortified wines, also known as “generous wines”, are part of one of the most fascinating traditions in the world of wine. Their character, intensity and complexity make them a unique category that deserves to be understood.
A fortified wine is one to which wine alcohol is added during the winemaking process. This addition is no accident: it is part of a time-honoured technique that profoundly transforms the wine’s profile.
Thanks to this process, the resulting wines have a higher alcohol content, greater body and remarkable longevity.
WHY ARE WINES FORTIFIED?
The addition of alcohol is no accident; rather, it serves several key purposes in the production process:
-To increase the alcohol content
-To improve the wine’s shelf life
-To control or halt fermentation
-To determine the final style, whether drier or sweeter
Thanks to these techniques, it is possible to produce wines with very different profiles, suited to different styles and preferences.
“FORTIFICATION”: THE KEY TECHNIQUE
The process of adding wine alcohol to wine or must is known as fortification. This technique is crucial in determining the final quality of the product.
Depending on when it is made, the style of the wine varies:
-If this is done during fermentation, more natural sugars are retained, resulting in sweeter wines.
-If this is done once fermentation is complete, the result is drier wines.
The timing of the fortification is therefore one of the most important decisions when drafting it.
ALCOHOL GRADUATION
Fortified wines have a higher alcohol content than conventional wines, generally ranging from 15% to 22% ABV.
This characteristic gives them greater body, structure and length on the palate, setting them apart within the world of wine.
ORIGINS LINKED TO TRADE
The origins of these wines date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when wine was one of the main commodities traded in Europe. At that time, long sea journeys were a great challenge, as many wines would spoil before reaching their destination.
To solve this problem, wine alcohol began to be added in order to stabilise the wine and improve its shelf life during transport. This is how fortified wines, as we know them today, came into being.
OUR ESSENCE: TRADITION STEEPED IN HISTORY
At Bodegas Mamerto de la Vara, we have specialised in the production of fortified wines for over eight decades.
Over the years, we have refined techniques passed down from generation to generation, whilst remaining committed to the quality and authenticity that set us apart.
Every fortified wine we produce is the result of that legacy and our unwavering commitment to offering products that reflect the essence of our winery.
If you’d like to find out more about our history, our wines and how we continue to keep this tradition alive, we invite you to visit our corporate website www.mamertodelavara.com