What Is a Good Fortified Wine?
Just like regular table wines, fortified wines come in a range of styles that you’ll want to explore. A good fortified wine delivers a complex flavor profile that can range from nutty and caramel to fruity and floral. Port, Sherry, and Madeira are three popular fortified wines, with unique styles, aging processes, and food pairings. […]
What Is Ruby Port? A Quick Guide
Ruby Port Characteristics Ruby Port Characteristic Wine Type Ruby Port Body Full-bodied Flavor Profile Fruity, with notes of berries and plums Sweetness Sweet Tannins Medium Alcohol Content High (19%+) Region Portugal (Douro Valley) Price $ Ageable No – drink now So you’ve found yourself a Ruby Port – or are thinking about Ruby Port. Good […]
Ruby Port vs Tawny
Port is one of those wines that sneaks up on you and leaves you asking: Where have you been all my life? You’ll two styles in particular, Ruby and Tawny, widely available, but what’s the difference? Ruby Port and basic Tawny Port are both entry-level, sweet fortified wines. Ruby Port is fruit-forward with a deep […]
Port vs Sherry: Which Will You Pick?
If you’re wondering about the differences between Sherry and Port, then you’re in the right place! Port and Sherry are fortified wines but use different grapes and winemaking methods. Port is sweet, full-bodied, with dark fruit, licorice, and leather. Sherry is dry or sweet, low acid, with citrus and nuts. Port is higher in alcohol […]
Port vs Madeira: What’s the Difference?
Fortified wines aren’t well understood, but two classics, Port vs Madeira, are worth your time. Madeira and Port share several similarities. They are both sweet, fortified Portuguese wines. Madeira has high acid, with stewed fruits, nuts, burnt sugar, citrus peel, and varnish. Port has tannin, with red and black fruit, licorice, and leather. Both wines […]
How Is Port Made?
Port wines have a prestigious heritage in the world of fortified wines and should definitely be in your wine-drinking repertoire. Port is made by adding distilled grape spirit called aguardente during the fermentation process. This results in a sweet fortified wine. Only wines made in Portugal’s Douro Valley can be called Port. There are many […]
How to Tell If Your Wine Is Fortified: 5 Quick Tips
Unlike regular table wines, fortified wines can pack a punch. But how do you know if your wine’s fortified? You can tell if a wine is fortified by reading the label. Wines with alcohol above 17% are often fortified. You may also see phrases like “fortified” or “contains added alcohol”. Finally, some wine styles are […]