Unfortified wine, also known as non-fortified wine, is a type of wine that does not undergo the process of fortification. Fortification is the addition of a distilled spirit, such as brandy, to the wine, which increases its alcohol content and alters its flavor profile. However, in the case of unfortified wine, the alcohol present in the bottle solely comes from the natural fermentation of the grapes used to produce the wine. This means that no additional spirits are added to enhance the alcohol content.
When grapes are harvested and crushed to extract their juice, natural yeasts present on the grape skins initiate the fermentation process. Yeast consumes the sugars in the grape juice and converts them into alcohol. This process continues until all the sugar is converted or until the winemaker decides to stop fermentation by cooling the wine or adding sulphites. At this stage, the resulting wine is an unfortified wine, containing only the alcohol produced during fermentation.
Unfortified wines can vary in alcohol content depending on various factors, such as the grape variety, climate, and winemaking techniques used. Most unfortified wines typically range between 11% to 14% alcohol by volume (ABV), though some may be lower or higher. The natural alcohol content gives unfortified wines their characteristic balance and lighter body compared to fortified wines.
One advantage of unfortified wines is their ability to showcase the true expression of the grape variety and terroir. Without the addition of spirits, the flavors and aromas of the grapes are more pronounced, allowing wine enthusiasts to appreciate the unique characteristics of different grape varieties and the specific regions where they are grown.
Unfortified wines come in a wide range of styles, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling. Each style offers its own set of flavors, aromas, and characteristics that can be explored and enjoyed. From the crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc to the luscious fruitiness of a Merlot, unfortified wines offer a diverse and exciting world of taste experiences.
It is worth mentioning that unfortified wines are not intended for long-term aging like some fortified wines. While some unfortified wines can benefit from short to medium-term aging to develop more complexity, most are meant to be consumed relatively young to enjoy their vibrant and fresh qualities.
Unfortified wine is a type of wine that does not undergo the process of fortification, meaning that no additional spirits are added to increase the alcohol content. Instead, the alcohol in unfortified wines is solely derived from the natural fermentation of the grapes. This allows the true flavors and characteristics of the grape variety and terroir to shine through, offering a diverse range of taste experiences for wine enthusiasts to explore.