FORTIFIED WINE

Dessert wines are generally fortified with brandy which halts their fermentation and makes them stronger and sweeter than table wines and sparkling wines. These are wines which are generally used after the meals with desserts or between meals with snacks. They have a filling effect because of their sweetness and also helps in relaxation and digestion after the meal. Fortified wines are very sweet and have an alcoholic content of about 22%. Basically, the fortification enables the wines to travel more as the increased alcohol content gives the strength to the wines. The time at which the brandy is added decides the degree of sweetness or dryness of the wine.