Crossword Genius

Fortified wine, an unknown make? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brandy

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'fortified wine' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'unknown make?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'unknown' could be 'y' (algebra) and 'y' is located in the answer.
'make?' could be 'brand' ('brand' can be a synonym of 'make') and 'brand' is found in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'an' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for brandy that I've seen before include "Cognac, perhaps" , "Strong alcohol" , "How to get a drink" , "warmer?" , "Liquor distilled from wine" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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