fortified wine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “fortified wine” mean?
A wine to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy, has been added during production.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wine to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy, has been added during production.
A category of wines whose alcohol content has been increased and whose flavour profile is often sweeter and more robust, designed for longer storage and sipping rather than with meals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The category and examples (Port, Sherry) are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with traditional, older, or formal drinking occasions in both cultures.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to historical trade links with Portugal and Spain.
Grammar
How to Use “fortified wine” in a Sentence
N + with + N (fortified wine with brandy)N + from + N (fortified wine from Portugal)N + such as + N (fortified wine such as Port)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fortified wine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The winery fortifies its wines with local grape spirit.
- This particular vintage was not fortified.
American English
- They fortify the base wine with brandy to stop fermentation.
- Traditionally, the wine is fortified before aging.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- We enjoyed a fortified wine selection after dinner.
- The fortified wine market has seen a revival.
American English
- He prefers a fortified wine cocktail to a straight spirit.
- Fortified wine sales increased during the holidays.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in wine production, import/export, and hospitality industry contexts.
Academic
Used in oenology, culinary arts, and historical studies of trade.
Everyday
Used when discussing or ordering drinks, especially in more formal settings.
Technical
Precise term in viticulture and winemaking for a specific production method.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fortified wine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fortified wine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fortified wine”
- Using it to describe any high-alcohol wine.
- Pronouncing 'fortified' as /fɔːrˈtɪfaɪd/ (stress is on first syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Some wines are naturally high in alcohol due to grape variety and climate. 'Fortified' specifically means alcohol was added.
Traditionally to preserve it and stabilize it for travel. It also stops fermentation, leaving residual sugar, and creates a unique flavour profile.
Yes, it's excellent for cooking. Sherry is used in soups and sauces, Port in reductions, and Marsala in dishes like chicken Marsala.
It depends on the type. Fino Sherry is served well-chilled, while a Tawny Port is best at slightly below room temperature.
A wine to which a distilled spirit, usually brandy, has been added during production.
Fortified wine is usually technical / formal in register.
Fortified wine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːtɪfaɪd waɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːrtəfaɪd waɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with the term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FORT being strengthened with extra walls; fortified wine is strengthened with extra alcohol.
Conceptual Metaphor
WINE IS A STRUCTURE (that can be reinforced/fortified).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a fortified wine?