Madeira, Port, Sherry: The Equinox Companion to Fortified Wines fills
a niche for all those seeking to understand the fortified wine industry
as a whole: its history, producers, winemaking methods, and practical
aspects of enjoying these unique wines, numbered among the world's most
long-lived beverages. This book constitutes an educational compendium
representing organised cutting-edge knowledge on the three classic
fortified wines, brought to us by the Iberian culture. The reference
work enables an appreciation of the histories of madeira, port and
sherry against the background of world-changing events. Extensive
terminological research has distilled years of professional knowledge
into a reliable compendium, taking the reader on unique educational
journeys through winemaking activities, from selection of grapes to
bottle ageing. The companion offers comprehensive terminological
coverage, including classifications and serving temperatures, as well as
the intricacies of flavour compounds, responsible for various notes
identified in wine bouquets, such as those of an old blended madeira, a
vintage port, or a palo cortado sherry. Guidelines on wine and food
pairing have been included to ensure the companion's suitability for a
wide audience of readers: from wine experts to connoisseurs, from
gourmet restaurant chefs to home cooks.
