Fortified wine production in southern Europe
Introduction
Fortified wines have been produced for centuries in different parts of the world, and they continue to be appreciated by wine enthusiasts worldwide. Southern Europe is one of the regions that have been historically known for producing some of the best fortified wines globally. These wines are typically made by adding a distilled spirit to a base wine, increasing its alcohol content and altering its taste and aroma. The resulting wine is then left to age in barrels, making it richer and more complex. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the process of fortified wine production in southern Europe, exploring its history, winemaking techniques, and varieties.
History of fortified wine production in southern Europe
The history of fortified wine production in southern Europe dates back to the ancient Greeks, who used fortification to preserve their wines during long sea journeys. However, it was not until the 17th century that fortified wines gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Portugal and Spain. The British, who were major wine consumers, began importing these wines, which eventually led to the establishment of the famous Port and Sherry houses in the Douro Valley in Portugal and Jerez in Spain, respectively.
The fortification process was initially used to stabilize wine during transportation, but it later became a winemaking technique for producing specific styles of wine. In the 18th and 19th centuries, fortified wines gained even more popularity in Europe, with many of them being used for medicinal purposes due to their high alcohol content.
Winemaking techniques for fortified wines
Base wines
The quality of the base wine used in making fortified wines is crucial to the final product's quality. The wine's acidity, tannin levels, and flavor profile all play a role in determining the type and style of fortified wine that will be produced. Grapes used for fortified wines are typically harvested later than those used for regular wines, allowing for higher sugar levels that result in higher alcohol content after fermentation.
Fortification process
During fortification, a distilled spirit such as brandy is added to the base wine, killing the yeast and halting fermentation. This increases the wine's alcohol content and sweetness while maintaining its acidity and overall balance. The amount of distilled spirit added depends on the desired style of fortified wine. For example, Port wine is typically fortified to around 20% alcohol by volume, while Sherry is fortified to between 15 to 18% alcohol by volume.
Aging
After fortification, the wine is left to age in oak barrels, which can be made of different types of wood, and this contributes to the wine's flavor and aroma. The aging process can take years or even decades, during which time the wine gains complexity and depth. Many fortified wines are aged through a solera system, which involves blending several vintages to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Types of fortified wines in southern Europe
Port wine
Port wine is a fortified wine that originates from the Douro Valley in Portugal. It is typically red and made from Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Francesa grape varieties. It's fortified to around 20% alcohol by volume and is aged in oak barrels for several years. Port wine comes in different styles, including Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage, each with a distinct flavor profile and aging process.
Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine that originates from Jerez in Spain. It's typically made from the Palomino grape variety and fortified to between 15 to 18% alcohol by volume. Sherry is aged through a solera system, resulting in a complex flavor profile that's both nutty and salty. It's available in different styles, including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, and Oloroso.
Marsala
Marsala is a fortified wine that originates from the Sicilian city of Marsala in Italy. It's typically made from the Grillo, Inzolia, and Catarratto grape varieties and fortified to around 20% alcohol by volume. Marsala is aged through a solera system and comes in different styles, including Oro, Ambra, and Rubino.
Conclusion
Fortified wines have a long and rich history in southern Europe, where they're made using a blend of traditional winemaking techniques and modern technology. The resulting wines are complex, rich, and deeply flavorful, making them ideal for pairing with different types of food or for enjoying on their own. You can find fortified wines from southern Europe all over the world, but if you ever find yourself in the region, it's worth taking the time to visit some of the famous wineries and try some of these fantastic wines for yourself!