Grapes are destemmed and fermented with yeast, which converts the wine's natural sugars into alcohol. In the production of fortified wine, however, there's an additional step. Before all the sugar is converted to alcohol, the neutral grape spirit from Merlot 2021 is introduced to the wine. This process is known as fortification. The addition of the high alcohol level stops the fermentation, and the wine keeps its intense fruit tones and richness. Barrel aged: 24 months Barrel profile: 3rd fill Boutes French barrique, toasting level medium+, toasted barrel heads.