Fortified or strong wines stand out among these drinks. The thing is that there are people who sincerely believe that fortified drink simply cannot be wine, it is something else. But the wine is different, and among the fortified there are more than worthy of attention!
Fortified wines have existed for several hundred years. Even for hundreds of years, the production of fortified drink has not changed at all until now. Strong wines are sherry, Madeira, Marsala and, of course, port. Strong wines are made with the addition of alcohol. Over the course of several hours or days, alcohol is added in measured small doses. The strongest wines are considered to be with added sugar about 24-26%. The Massandra Wine Factory produces several types of strong wines.
Madeira
Madera is produced by two brands - Crimean and Massandra. Red port is produced by four brands, such as Livadia, Krymsky, Massandra and Yuzhnoberezhny. Red port, aged for a year, turns into a deep red. During aging, the color weakens, and the wine becomes garnet color. If the aging of red wine is delayed for a long time, then it will acquire an onion or slightly pomegranate color.
Port wine
White port is produced in three brands - Surozh, Crimean and Yuzhnoberezhny. Three-year-old white port has a dark golden color. Crimean port is revealed in a full range of flavors and is harmonious.
The differences between the wines are the quality of the wine and the technology of production. Almost all of them are made from several varieties of wine raw materials. The special aroma of a strong wine is achieved by using about 15 different grape varieties. The exceptions are white port Surozh, red port Livadia and red port Massandra, all of which are blended. The strength of the ports of the South Coast of Crimea is from 17, 5% vol. Up to 19% vol., Sugar ranges from 5, 9% to 11%. Several red ports contain the smallest amount: Massandra is only 6%, while Livadia port is slightly more - 8%.
Rules for choosing a strong wine
When buying bottled wine, pay attention to the following:
- the wine category and name must be indicated,
- the amount of alcohol and sugar must be prescribed,
- in real wine, the cork must have the brand of the company.
If the harvest year is indicated, then keep in mind that the fake will not withstand for 2 or more years. Poor-quality wine will be red in color, have an overly pungent smell and a luscious sweet taste (no aftertaste).
