Fortified wine is wine to which additional alcohol (typically brandy) has been added, increasing alcohol content to 15–20% or higher. Fortification serves multiple purposes: halting fermentation to retain sweetness, preserving wine during long journeys, or adding complexity through oak aging. Major fortified-wine categories include port, sherry, madeira, and vermouth. Fortified wines are typically consumed as aperitifs or dessert wines. They age exceptionally well due to high alcohol and oxidative stability; vintage fortified wines improve over 50+ years. Fortified wines represent some of wine's greatest values for aging potential.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR COLLECTORS
Fine fortified wines offer exceptional aging potential and complexity at reasonable prices. Vintage ports and sherries are undervalued by many collectors despite improving magnificently over decades.
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