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Fortified Wine

Fortified wines can be made in a variety of styles including dry, sweet, white, red, rose and oxidative. There are many lengths of ageing for different styles, and many different grapes can be used. These wines are made by creating a base wine which is then enriched with added alcohol (stopping the fermentation) and either leaving residual sugar for sweet fortified wines, or fermenting to dryness and enriching after this.

Fortified wine is a type of wine that has had a distilled spirit, such as brandy, added to it during the winemaking process. This fortification increases the alcohol content and preserves the wine, giving it a longer shelf life. Popular styles of fortified wine include Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala. Each of these styles has unique characteristics, ranging from sweet to dry, making fortified wines incredibly versatile. If you're interested in Brandy as a fortifying spirit, check out our Brandy collection for more details.

Popular Fortified Wine Styles

Among the most popular types of fortified wine are Port and Sherry. Port is produced in Portugal’s Douro Valley and is known for its sweet, rich flavours, making it a favourite dessert wine. Sherry, on the other hand, hails from Spain and offers a broad range of styles, from dry and crisp to nutty and sweet. Discover these varieties in our Port collection and Sherry selection.

Fortified Wine and Food Pairings

Fortified wines are wonderful for pairing with food, whether as an aperitif, alongside a main course, or with dessert. Madeira and Marsala are excellent for pairing with savoury dishes like stews or rich, creamy sauces. Sweet Port pairs beautifully with blue cheese, while Sherry is the perfect complement to tapas and cured meats.

The History of Fortified Wine

Fortified wines have a rich history, with production dating back hundreds of years. These wines were originally fortified to ensure they would last longer during transport, particularly when they were shipped overseas. Regions like Madeira became known for producing durable wines that could survive long sea voyages. For more on historic wines, see our Madeira collection.

Aging and Storing Fortified Wine

Unlike other wines, fortified wines often improve with age, thanks to their higher alcohol content, which acts as a preservative. Port and Sherry can be aged for decades, with their flavours developing over time. These wines should be stored in a cool, dark place, and once opened, they can last for several weeks. Looking for other wines with great aging potential? Take a look at our Fine Wine collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fortified wine?

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Fortified wine is a type of wine to which a distilled spirit, such as brandy, has been added to increase its alcohol content.

What are the most common types of fortified wine?

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The most common types are Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala.

How is fortified wine different from regular wine?

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Fortified wine has a higher alcohol content due to the addition of a distilled spirit during the winemaking process.

What foods pair well with fortified wines?

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Port pairs well with cheese and chocolate, while Sherry complements tapas and savoury dishes.

Can fortified wine be used in cooking?

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Yes, fortified wines like Marsala and Sherry are often used in cooking to add depth and flavour to dishes.

How do you handle corked wine?

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At Seven Cellars we are committed to providing the highest quality wines to our customers. We understand that occasionally a bottle may be corked, we’re still not
fully sure why it happens to some wines. We are absolutely committed to making sure the return process as simple and hassle-free as possible.

No-Quibble Return Policy for Corked Wine:
- Easy Returns: If you encounter a corked bottle, simply contact us within 14 days. Please keep the bottle and the wine so we can send it back to the producer.

- Hassle-Free Process: We will arrange for a convenient return and replacement of the corked wine.

Your enjoyment and confidence in our wines are our top priorities. If you ever experience an issue with corked wine, rest assured that we will take care of it promptly and efficiently.

What is your shipping policy?

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For full information regarding our delivery please check out our shipping policy

What is the minimum spend for free delivery?

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If you live locally to us within a few miles of Brighton in Sussex, we offer Free delivery for orders over £50 its automatically calculated at checkout.

If you are ordering from further away - spend £150 for Free delivery nationwide.

Can I add something to my order after I have checked out?

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If there is something you’ve forgotten to add, buy it and we can make the adjustment on our side - send an email to us at info@sevencellars.co.uk

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