What crucial step during fermentation defines Port wine as fortified, resulting in its characteristic sweetness?
Answer
Adding a neutral grape spirit like brandy during fermentation
Port wine achieves its fortified status through a specific intervention during its production: the addition of a neutral grape spirit, such as brandy, directly into the wine while fermentation is still in progress. This addition of high-proof alcohol effectively kills the yeast cells, which immediately stops the conversion of remaining grape sugars into alcohol. This arrested fermentation ensures that a significant portion of the grape’s natural sweetness remains trapped in the liquid, leading directly to the wine’s higher Alcohol By Volume (ABV) and its inherent sweetness, which differentiates it from standard table wine.
Related Questions
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