Port, Sherry, and Madeira fall under which category of wine?

Port, Sherry, and Madeira are classified as fortified wines because they have a distilled spirit, usually brandy, added to them during or after fermentation. This process increases the alcohol content and can halt fermentation, which often results in a sweeter wine. The fortification process not only enhances the alcohol level but can also intensify the flavors and aromas, setting these wines apart from standard table wines.

While some fortified wines can also be sweet, the key characteristic that categorizes Port, Sherry, and Madeira as fortified wines is the addition of a spirit that elevates their alcohol content. This distinguishes them from table wines, which are fermented without the addition of spirits, and aromatic wines, which primarily focus on their fragrant qualities rather than the fortification process. Thus, the correct classification for these wines is fortified wines.