What does "encabezado" refer to in the context of sherry wine?

"Encabezado" is a term used in the production of sherry wine that specifically refers to the process of adding alcohol to the wine. This addition is made to increase the overall alcohol content and stabilize the wine, ensuring it becomes a fortified wine. The process typically occurs after fermentation, when grape spirit is added to the base wine. This not only raises the alcoholic strength but also influences the aging process and the final flavor profile of the sherry.

In the context of sherry, this step plays a significant role in differentiating types of sherry and affects the resulting styles, such as Fino or Oloroso, depending on when the fortification occurs and other factors involved in the production process. Understanding "encabezado" is crucial for grasping how sherry wines achieve their unique characteristics.