Fortificado

Fortificado is an adjective used in Iberian languages, meaning fortified, strengthened, or fortified in defense. It is applied in various contexts, including wine, food, and construction, to indicate that something has been enhanced with added strength or protection.

In the context of wine, a fortificado is a wine to which a distilled spirit, typically grape brandy, has been added. This fortification raises the alcohol content and stops or retards fermentation, leaving residual sugar that can influence sweetness. Fortified wines are often aged and bottled at high alcohol levels. In Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions, the general term is vinho fortificado or vino fortificado, with famous examples including Port wine and Madeira. Sherry, produced in the Jerez region of Spain, is another well-known fortified wine, though its styles range from dry to sweet.

The practice of fortifying wine originated on the Iberian Peninsula in the early modern period, largely to preserve wine during long sea voyages. From there, it spread to other wine regions and became a distinctive category in global winemaking.

Beyond beverages, fortificado also appears in nutrition and food labeling. Fortified foods are those to which vitamins and minerals have been added, such as cereals, dairy products, and beverages, to enhance their nutritional value and address dietary deficiencies.

In architecture and history, fortificado can describe a fortified place or structure, such as a fortress or walled town, built for defense and protection. The term’s usage remains broad, tied to the core idea of increased strength or protection.