How to Pair Port Wine with Dessert
It is possible that this content contains affiliate links. It is possible that I will get a small compensation if you click on these links and make a purchase. I only connect to items that I believe in and would recommend to others. Thank you so much for your assistance. For a long time, I believed that port was beyond of my price range. The kind of drink that folks who possessed libraries and parlors in their houses drank was called a “libation.” As well as massive mahogany desks. In addition to crystal snifter glasses.
As a result, I assumed port would have to wait.
However, it turns out that none of these elements are required for the consumption and pleasure of port.
Drink port as a dessert on its own, or combine it with your favorite dessert for a delicious combination.
Pairings such as Single Malt Scotch and Dessert or Port and Bleu Cheese are recommended.
What is Port?
Port wine is a type of fortified wine. In Portugal, it’s known as Port since it’s made entirely from grapes grown in the Douro Valley, which has been designated as a protected area. It is impossible for True Port to originate from any other point on the planet. And the port city at the foot of the Douro Valley is known as.Porto, of course. The oldest written record of port dates back to 1678, marking the beginning of the beverage’s meteoric rise in popularity in the United Kingdom. For most of the 17th and 18th centuries, England and France were involved in The Hundred Years’ War (also known as the Hundred Years’ Conflict).
Portugal is the next stop.
This additional fortification not only increased the amount of alcohol in the drink, but it also boosted its sweetness.
As a result, we still have port till this day!
Types of Port:
There are three primary varieties of port: Ruby, Tawny, Rosé, and White. Ruby is the most expensive of the three. Colors and aging processes are represented by these symbols. Ruby, Tawny, and Rosé are all created from the same selection of purple grapes as their counterparts in the red wine world. White ports, on the other hand, are prepared from grapes that are, well, white. There are around 30 different types of Port grapes, which explains why there is such a wide range of Port styles and flavors!
Ruby
Ruby ports are the newest and most vibrant of all the port kinds.
They have a robust fruit character and intense red hues, despite the fact that they have been matured for only a short period of time.
- Ruby Port – The most cheap of all the ports, it is a deep red wine that is highly sweet and delicious. It is also the youngest of all the ports. Reserve– Reserve bottles contain only the highest-quality port grapes (think of it as “special ruby”)
- Reserve bottles are limited in quantity. Late Bottled Vintage (“LBV”) is a term used to describe a vintage that has been stored for a long period of time. Reserve– This port is still a ruby port and is intended to be consumed young. However, it has been matured in a barrel for 4 to 6 years, which accounts for the “late bottle” flavor. Vintage ports are made from only one year’s harvest and are fermented in massive steel vats for two years before being bottled. However, they continue to age in the bottle and can improve and gain in value the longer they are stored. Vintage ports may mature in the bottle for up to 50 years, however 20 years is probably the most frequent amount of time. In order to be certified as “vintage,” only the greatest ports are picked, and they must go through a rigorous certification procedure.
- Crusted Port– a combination of distinct Vintage Ports that generally contains sediment and must be decanted
- A blend of different Vintage Ports
- The term “Single Quinta” refers to a vintage ruby port that comes from only one vineyard (think of it as the “single malt scotch of ports”)
- The term “Single Quinta” refers to a vintage port that comes from only one vineyard.
Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock
Tawny
Tawny ports are all matured in oak barrels for a minimum of two years before being released. They begin to lose their vibrant red coloration and begin to take on more caramel and honey hues. Every few years, they are re-topped with brandy, which contributes to the color alteration as well as the brilliant flavor.
- Colheita is a wine created from grapes that have all been picked in the same vintage (meaning the same year), and it is typically matured for at least 10 years. Tawny 10-40– Tawny ports that have been matured for a certain number of years. Because they are blends of different vintages, the age indication on the bottle indicates the average age of the port in the bottle. Vintages from decades ago may be included
White Port
White port is created from white grapes, as the name suggests. Some of them are old, while others are not. Even the driest white ports, however, will have a tinge of sweetness to them and are more formally classified as “off-dry” in terms of flavor profile.
Rosé Port
Wine created from white grapes is referred to as “white port.” While some of them are old, some of them aren’t. Even the driest white ports, however, will have a tinge of sweetness to them and are more formally classified as “off-dry” in terms of flavor profile.
What does Port Taste Like?
Let’s leave talks on really rare and speciality bottles, such as Vintage Ports, to the sidelines. Those are much too intricate to be covered in a single article. If you are serving them with dessert, you are doing it incorrectly. Simply drink and enjoy yourself!) The majority of the ports with which you’ll be considering partnering will fall within the Ruby to Tawny group. Furthermore, the flavors range from rich red fruits such as raspberries, to caramel and almonds, to chocolate! Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock
Typical Ruby Flavors:
- The following red fruits and spices are used: blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and plums
- Cinnamon, clove, and chocolate
Typical Tawny Flavors:
It’s a little more complicated. More often than not, the younger the tawny, the more probable it is to taste of red fruit and spices. More dried fruit, nuts, and wood sweetness can be detected in older tawny port wines.
- Dried Apricots and Raisins
- Raspberry, Figs, Dried Apricots and Raisins
- Cinnamon, Clove, White Pepper
- Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts
- Raspberry, Figs, Dried Apricots and Raisins Flavors derived from wood spice include: oak
- Honey
- Caramel
- Toffee
- Vanilla
- Butterscotch
- Graham cracker
- And butterscotch.
Typical Rosé Flavors:
- The following pink fruits are available: cranberries, strawberry, raspberry, rainier cherry, and watermelon. Caramel and honey are used as sweeteners. Floral arrangements include honeysuckle, jasmine, wildflowers, and tropical fruit arrangements.
Typical White Flavors:
- Sugary flavors include citrus fruits such as oranges and apples, as well as toasted nuts such as hazelnuts and sliced almonds
- Sweet flavors include caramel and honey.
General Port Pairing Tips:
- The lighter fruits and creamier sweets that go well with older ports include lighter fruits and creamier desserts. Ports that are younger in age combine better with red fruits and chocolate
We’re glad you inquired; that’s why this article is available. Port wine is classified as a dessert wine. Its variety are so sophisticated and subtle, in fact, that some of them may be served as a dessert in and of itself. Take, for example, the Tawny 30-40 bracket.) In other circumstances, certain ports are so sweet that a single glass will be sufficient to satiate your sweet craving. However, you may like to wow your guests or go all out for your Thanksgiving dinner. If you are looking for something tasty to combine with your port, go no further than the recipes below!
Ruby Port w/ Cherry Pie
Ruby ports are bursting with bright red fruits such as cherries, raspberries, and plums, among others. With the fruit, these deep, rich fruity tastes are a fantastic pairing!
Port to Choose: Niepoort Ruby
I first purchased this since it was the only ruby port available in the shop. I was wrong. But Alex, the proprietor of my local wine shop, told me that “it’s fine.” As a result, I went for it. And he was absolutely correct! The scent is extremely different from the final taste in terms of complexity. You’ll experience notes of brown sugar, maple syrup, raisins, and overwhelming sweetness on the first sniff of this fragrance. A sip, on the other hand, rewards you with a glass brimming with dark fruit: plums, blackberries, raspberries, and black currants.
With just the right amount of sharpness to balance off the sweet brown sugar overtones! It was clear that I overpoured, and we went from being tipsy to being roaring drunk to falling asleep on the couch in the period of approximately ten minutes. You won’t need much at all.
Reserve w/Dark Chocolate Truffles
Reserve ruby ports are quite similar to ruby ports in general, with the exception that they are somewhat higher in quality. The fruity and spicy aromas are still quite prominent in the sauce. So they’re excellent for matching with chocolate, don’t you think? Although chocolate and red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, and cherries might be tough to combine, we all know that they go together like peanut butter and jelly. Anyone up for some chocolate-covered strawberries? Because reserves are a touch more premium, combine them with a simple dark chocolate truffle to complete the experience.
The flavors of the fruit and spices will complement one another well.
LBV Reserve w/ Dark Chocolate Cake and Raspberry Sauce
Late bottle reserves are also ruby ports, and they are extremely comparable to a regular ruby port in terms of flavor and aroma. It is because of the additional age that some of the more caramel or dried fruit notes might develop. These characteristics make them an ideal choice for serving with somewhat more complicated sweets such as chocolate cake. Toffee and caramel tones will merge smoothly with sweet cakes and will contribute to the creaminess of the cake. To bring up the fruity flavor even more, serve it with a raspberry sauce on the side.
Rosé Port w/ Strawberry Rhubarb Tart
Rosé ports are lighter in color than ruby ports, yet they are just as rich in fruit tastes as the latter. Pair them with a lighter fruit dessert to complete the meal. Because rosé ports frequently have a strawberry flavor, strawberries and rosé ports go together like peanut butter and jelly. I think it’s the perfect high point. My personal favorite is to include rhubarb since its tart flavor will balance out some of the sweeter ports used in this recipe. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock
Tawny 10 w/ Classic Apple Pie and Caramel Sauce
A tawny aged 10 years or more will have the most evident fruit qualities, making it the greatest choice for pairing with apples or pears. In order to match the subtle nutty flavor and just-emerging caramel, an apple pie and a warm smooth caramel will be served together. This is a classic match, in my opinion.
Port to Choose: Quinta do Infantado Tawny Port 10 Year
Once again, the aroma is far more pleasant than the flavor. Among the flavors you’ll find caramel, toffee, coffee grounds, and a hint of orange peel. However, the flavors of apple and toffee dominate the glass, with traces of oak and soaked raisins thrown in for good measure.
Tawny 20 w/ Pecan Pie and Creamy Bourbon Sauce
The tastes of nut and caramel become more prominent as you progress into the 20-year-old tawny port category. The vanilla, toffee, and fig notes are just just beginning to come into sharper focus. This is the ideal time to serve with a dessert that is heavy on the nuts. Pecan pies are often highly sweet, so tawnies that are more than a year old are a preferable choice. As a result, the sweetness of the fruits will be heightened by the wood, making the combination less overpowering. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock
White Port w/ Banana Creme Brûlée
White ports will be more reminiscent of the flavors of riesling or gewurztraminer, albeit they will lack the crispness of these wines.
Nuts and caramel will still be there in the flavor. Just a little of creaminess is enough to elevate it to the level of a classic creme brulee dessert pairing. I like to use some bananas as well to bring out the tropical overtones in the white port and make it more approachable.
Port Wine Pairing: 10 Best Savory and Sweet Matches
Port wine is making a resurgence in popularity. When it comes to wine, most people are familiar with Port wine, but if you’re new to the world of wine, it’s time to get acquainted with some of Portugal’s greatest offerings. It’s a fantastic sort of wine that combines well with a wide variety of dishes (and is also good on its own!). However, much like with other types of wines, there are some meals and flavors that mix particularly well with Port, regardless of its style. As a result, in this piece, we’ll talk about how to mix Port wine with sweet dishes and how to combine Port wine with savory foods.
Let’s get this party started.
What is Port wine?
Port wine, in its most basic definition, is a sweet, generally red, fortified wine that originates in the Douro Valley region of Portugal’s winemaking region. Wine manufactured from hundreds of different grape types, with the majority of them being Tinta Barroca, Tinto Có, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Francesa, and Touriga Nacional being the most prominent. Fortification refers to the addition of a grape-based spirit to a wine during the fermentation process, while the wine is still fermenting, in order to make the wine stronger.
Typically, it is served as a dessert wine, and it has a dark crimson color in the majority of cases.
Glasses of port with a view of the Douro Valley
What are the styles of Port?
Let’s have a look at some of the many types of Port wine available. We have the following:
- White Port is a sparkling wine created from a field blend of white Portuguese grapes that is brilliant in color. Ruby Port is a fruity port with a vivid ruby (duh) color and a fruity flavor. They are aged in barrels for at least 6 years, giving them nutty aromas and deeper hues
- Reserve Tawny Port Vintage Ports that have been late-bottled are reserve Ruby Ports that have been created from grapes from a single harvest. Vintage Port — a port with rich, fruity aromas that comes from high-quality vineyards
When to serve Port?
Port wines may be enjoyed with a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savory, and can be served chilled. They are typically offered at the conclusion of a meal, together with cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts, or as a component of a sweet dessert. They are also suitable for serving as an aperitif. Port wine and savory meals go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Port Wine Pairing with Savory Foods
One of the most popular ways to serve Port is with savory dishes. When served with charcuterie boards, nuts, cheeses, and olives, it is very delicious; nevertheless, it is also excellent with major courses like as beef, sushi, and surfturf. Consider pairing your Port wine with some savory items, as suggested by the following list.
White Port and Potato Chips, Olives, and Nuts
This delectable combination may be enjoyed as an appetizer, as a snack on its own, or as a dessert after your meal. When combined with salty potato chips and olives as well as nutty tastes from your favorite nuts, the citrusy, nutty, and fruity flavors of White Port are unbeatable.
Port with SurfTurf
Surfturf is yet another excellent match with Port. The crisp notes of Port go so well with the mix of shellfish and beef, and they work together to create a wonderful balance of flavors. Choose a Ruby Port if you don’t want the tastes to overpower one other.
Port and Blue Cheese and Goat Cheese
The pairing of Port and cheese is a highly popular option. One of the finest pairings is to combine it with strong-flavored cheeses such as blue cheese and goat cheese, which are both delicious. It nicely balances out the salty and pungent flavors of the cheeses, and it also lends a delightful fruity touch to them, making them even more delectable.
Ruby Port is a particularly good choice for pairing with these sorts of cheeses because the sweet notes of the Port complement the salty notes of blue and goat cheese.
White Port and Sushi, Salmon, and Oysters
With fish and shellfish, it’s a well-known fact that white wines pair better than red wines, and Port is no exception. If you’re having sushi, salmon, or oysters, a dry White Port is preferable to a sweeter Red Port, which will overshadow the delicate flavors of the seafood you’re eating. All of your taste buds will be blown away by this unique and delicious combination.
Port with Pork Belly, Brisket, and Pulled Pork Sliders
Because pig belly, brisket, and pulled pork sliders are so salty, flavorful, and a little heavy, a light, fresh, and nutty Port is the ideal beverage to pair with these dishes. It enhances the intensity of the meat tastes while also providing a suitable balance to them.
Tawny Port and Peking Duck or Foie Gras
On its own, Peking Duck and Foie Grasare both delectable treats. However, when you include Port wine in the dinner, it elevates it to an entirely new level. In addition to drawing attention to the dish, wine also enhances its flavor by complementing it perfectly.
Port Wine Pairing with Sweet Foods
Even while port is delicious when served with savory dishes, it is also highly popular when served with sweet things. The nutty, sharp, and fruity flavors go so well with sweet foods, and they provide the ideal counterbalance. Desserts made with chocolate, peanut butter, or fruit should be served with port wine.
Port and Chocolate-covered Strawberries
One of the greatest sweets is chocolate-covered strawberries, which is also one of the best. When served with Port wine, this elegant dessert is elevated to a new level of sophistication. A sweet kind of White wine is the ideal pairing for chocolate-covered strawberries, and it will quickly become one of your favorites.
Port with Fruit Tarts and Fruit Pies
One of the nicest ways to enjoy your Port wine is with a slice of fruit pie or a tart made with fruit. Ruby Port’s fresh, rich, fruity flavors pair exceptionally well with pies, such as a sour cherry pie, which is one of my favorites. Because of its semi-sweet overtones, vintage port is a fantastic pairing with pumpkin pie. Because of its nutty and caramelized flavor, tawny port is a fantastic accompaniment to apple pies.
Port and Chocolate Cake and Brownies
All things chocolate and port go together like peanut butter and jelly. As a result, it will naturally pair well with chocolate cake or brownies. You should choose Late-Bottled Vintage Port or Tawny Port for those delicacies that are heavy on the chocolate. In a chocolate cake or brownie, a thick and rich LBV Port will pair wonderfully with the sweet notes of the cake or brownie. Tawny’s nutty and semi-sweet notes enhance the sweetness of the chocolate flavors to an exceptional degree.
Port with Ice Cream and Sorbet
All things chocolate and port go together like peanut butter and jelly on toast. As a result, a chocolate cake or brownies are a logical pairing. Pour late-bottled vintage port or tawny port over those chocolate-heavy pastries and you’ll be in heaven. Those sweet notes in a chocolate cake or a brownie will pair wonderfully with a thick and rich LBV Port. Chocolate’s sweet notes are excellently enhanced by the nutty and semi-sweet flavors found in Tawny.
Leave a comment with your favorite Port wine pairing.
When it comes to cheese boards, port is a standard companion, but consider the adaptable Portuguese wines for other combinations. The Fladgate Partnership is a public-private partnership. This Valentine’s Day, The Fladgate Partnership has launched three excellent 2018 Vintage Ports to help you ignite the romance in your own home: Taylor Fladgate is a writer and musician from the United Kingdom. Classic Vintage 2018, FonsecaGuimaraens Vintage 2018, and Croft PortQuinta da Roêda Vintage 2018 are some of the best vintages available.
- However, although it is true that Port is a natural pairing for Valentine’s Day mainstays such as chocolate, decadent desserts, and cheese plates, these Portuguese fortified wines also pair well with a variety of other foods that could be considered unusual.
- Port and food combinations are discussed by David Fonseca Guimaraens, the partnership’s technical director and chief winemaker.
- He goes on to explain that in some places of the world, port is known to be served during the whole dinner.
- In cocktails, it works well because it adds a salty minerality and a sweetness that doesn’t overpower the other tastes.
- With tonic and fresh mint on the side, it makes an excellent aperitif when served cold and straight up.
- Drinking extra dry white port combined with tonic water is a highly adaptable beverage that can be paired with nearly anything because of the acidity and bitterness of the tonic water.
- The Fladgate Partnership is a public-private partnership.
According to Guimaraens, pairing wine with oysters is not recommended since the highly unique and powerful flavors of the oyster and the wine would clash and spoil both flavors.
“The honey notes and well-balanced acidity in the wine are a perfect match for the thick paté,” he comments.
And why not serve it as a component of a sweet dish?
“It is a heavenly experience.” In the market for Port rosé, Croft was the first, and is now the only, manufacturer to do so.
It also goes well with tonic and in cocktails, although it’s important to keep them light and refreshing.
Is this an unexpectedly good pairing?
The Fladgate Partnership is a public-private partnership.
When utilized in their natural state, Ruby or LBV are frequently employed in the culinary world to prepare reductions, which are delicious when drizzled over a piece of venison or a piece of steak.
Tawny Ports, which are rich and mellow, should be served slightly cold, and they are surprisingly nice as an aperitif.
Tawnies are also a nice pairing with savory dishes such as crispy Peking duck.
The Fladgate Partnership is a public-private partnership.
While not easy to come by, if you come across them, make sure you take advantage of the opportunity – it will be an unforgettable experience that is well worth the effort.” The winemaker also suggests that Fonseca Bin 27, with its trademark rich fruity scent bursting with genuine blackberry and cassis, is an excellent pairing with dark chocolate mousse.
With the introduction of three great 2018 Vintage Ports this month, just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Fladgate Partnership continues to set the standard for the industry.
Overall conditions in the Douro superior were “not just outstanding, but exceptional” in 2018, according to Adrian Bridge, CEO of The Fladgate Partnership, which owns the three renowned Port houses in the city of Porto.
“It has provided us with good phenolic maturity, which is typical of a hot ripening season, but it has also provided us with superb multi-layered fruit and fresh acidity, which is typical of colder years.” According to the winemaker, “It is crucial to notice that the 2018 wines have the highest color intensity of previous vintages, which is always an indication of strong extraction and durability.” Alternatively, why not try something different and surprise your Valentine with some sultry Ports, whether in cocktails, combined with your appetizers, as part of a dish, or as a nice ending to your meal.
Who knows, it could just add a little spice to the proceedings.
Whitney Bond is a young woman who has a lot of potential.
Irish Cream Liqueur (optional) In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the Croft Reserve Tawny Port, cold brew coffee, and Irish cream liqueur. Shake well. Shake well, then pour into a martini glass to serve. Coffee beans can be used as a garnish.
Styles of Port and Their Pairings
When it comes to cheese boards, port is a standard companion, but consider the adaptable Portuguese wines for various combinations. A partnership between the Fladgate Group and the Fladgate Foundation. Fladgate Partnership has launched three amazing 2018 Vintage Ports in time for Valentine’s Day, which will help you ignite the romance in your life. Taylor Fladgate is a songwriter and musician from England. FonsecaGuimaraens Vintage 2018 and Croft PortQuinta da Roêda Vintage 2018 are three of the most popular vintages in Portugal.
- It is true that Port goes well with Valentine’s Day mainstays such as chocolate, decadent desserts and cheese platters, but these Portuguese fortified wines also pair well with a variety of other foods that would not be thought to go well with port.
- In this interview, David Fonseca Guimaraens, the partnership’s technical director and head winemaker, discusses his favorite Port and food combinations.
- It has been reported that Port is served throughout a meal in several regions of the world, he explains further.
- Because of its saline minerality and subtle sweetness, it works well in cocktails; nevertheless, it’s essential to keep them simple, sessionable, and low in alcohol content in order to allow the flavors of the Port to stand out.
- This cocktail, made with extra dry white port and tonic water, is a highly adaptable one that can be served with nearly anything because of the acidity and bitterness of the tonic water.
- A partnership between the Fladgate Group and the Fladgate Foundation.
- It is also delicious when served with a variety of salty snacks such as salted almonds, olives or hand cut potato chips.
Instead, he suggests pairing a chilled white Port with foie gras as a first course.
” Moreover, why not serve it as an accompaniment to a sweet dish?
What a beautiful thing.” In the market for Port rosé, Croft was the first, and is now the only, manufacturer to do so.
When mixed with tonic and used in cocktails, it’s preferable to keep things light.
Was this an unexpectedly good match?
Crock Pink, the world’s first rosé Port to hit the market, makes for exquisite cocktails and is also delicious when cold on its own.
Rich, fruity Ports (such as Ruby and LBV) go perfectly with strong cheeses, dark chocolate, and chocolate desserts, among other things.
In drinks, the strong berry tastes combine nicely with Bourbon to produce versions on the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
When served with foie gras and brioche at the start of a dinner, a 20-year-old Tawny has a lovely acidity and combines nicely.
A comfy armchair and some time to sip an older Tawny port are all that’s needed, adds Guimaraens, to enjoy one.
A partnership between the Fladgate Group and the Fladgate Foundation.
While not easy to come by, if you come across them, make sure you take advantage of the opportunity – it will be an unforgettable experience that is well worth the effort to track them down.
“However, try mixing them with cassis or raspberry flavored macaroons and your life will never be the same again.” A Vintage Port, on the other hand, is the ideal way to cap off any dinner.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Fladgate Partnership has produced three excellent 2018 Vintage Ports this month, one of which is a blend of three different grape varieties.
‘2018 was a year in which the overall circumstances in the Douro superior were not just outstanding, but exceptional,’ says Adrian Bridge, CEO of The Fladgate Partnership, parent business of the three renowned Port houses.
This is really exceptional, but we only proclaim a Classic Vintage when the quality is there, and that quality is established by the year, not by any other factor.” According to Guimaraens, the Douro Superior benefited from a mix of plentiful ground water and hot summer weather, resulting in the creation of excellent Vintage Port.
Possibly that will add a little spice to the proceedings.
Whitney Bond is a young woman who has a strong desire to succeed in life.
Reserve Tawny Port, 2 oz.
Using ice in a cocktail shaker, whisk together the Croft Reserve Tawny Port, cold-brew coffee, and Irish cream liquor until well combined. Strain into a martini glass after shaking vigorously. Coffee beans can be used as a garnish if desired.
Traditional Port Grapes
The majority of the region’s Port production is based on the combined synergy of Portugal’s indigenous red grapes, which include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo), Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Co, among others.
Spirits Used To Fortify PortWhen visiting the IVDP (Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto) we learned that the brandy used in Port winemaking is a neutral (flavorless) grape spirit sourced primarily from Portugal, Spain and France.
Ruby Ports have a straightforward, fruity, and young taste, and they are often the least costly of the Port wines available on the market. Ruby Ports are typically matured in huge oak barrels for an average of two years before being bottled, and they are ready to drink as soon as they are opened.
- Ruby red is the color of the dress. Exceptional flavor mix of juicy red and black berry tastes, with hints of plums and dates, and a surprising level of concentration and depth. Ruby Port has a fresh, young appearance and provides a mouthwatering sweetness with a hint of tannin. Servicing Recommendations: Ruby Port is meant to be drank young and promises to dazzle with bright and fresh primary fruit on both the aroma and the taste. When it comes to the vintages used to make this specific kind of Port, it is probable that just a few years of wood aging have taken place before it is made available. Serve mildly cold (between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit). When you touch the bottle, it should be chilly to the touch. If you store your Ruby Port in the refrigerator, it will last for several weeks after you open it.
Ruby Port Pairing
Ruby Ports are reminiscent of a pair of traditional desserts: sour cherry pie and chocolate ganache truffles, thanks to their fresh-faced nature, raspberry and black cherry tastes, rich textures, and somewhat sweeter style. Combining a glass of Ruby Port with a smelly blue cheese will result in a fantastic yin and yang mix of sweet and salty aromas that will leave your taste buds tingling. Purchase the book and receive the course! With the purchase of Wine Folly: Magnum Edition, you will receive the Wine 101 Course (a $29 value) for free.
- “Aha” Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port and Bourbon Chocolate Chip Pie are the perfect pairing.
Late-Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port
“Aha” With a Bourbon Chocolate Chip Pie, Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port makes for a delicious pairing.
- Colors: purple and ruby red LBVs have a sweet flavor profile, mild acidity, and firmer tannins than other varieties. Drink it slowly and enjoy the flavors of black currants, cherries, chocolate, and jammy influences that will captivate your taste buds with every sip. In this recipe, flavors of dried fruit (especially prunes and raisins) are combined with an earthy/leather element, which leads to floral themes before concluding on an almond and walnut backdrop. Serving Suggestions: As soon as you open the bottle, LBV is ready to be savored immediately. Serve gently cooled (aim for temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit). If kept refrigerated, LBV Ports will last for a few weeks after being opened
- Otherwise, they will expire.
LBV Port Pairing
You’re almost certain to come face to face with Queijo da Serra, a colorful, tangy, mild cheese produced in the Serra de Estrela (“Star Mountain Range”) region of Portugal if you spend a day living like the locals. The combination of sheep’s milk, the coagulating characteristics of the spiky purple Cardoon flower, and sea salt is the pinnacle of a regional paring (local foods with local wines). The savory flavors of aged Parmesan and the original Stilton scream out for the unctuous, sweet notes of a genuine LBV, which is what a conventional LBV provides.
LBV is also available to assist you.
German chocolate cake, handmade chocolate sauce, molten chocolate lava cake, chocolate bread pudding, and other desserts of the same ilk have all claimed a significant amount of time in the spotlight at LBV.
- “Aha” The following are the recommended pairings: Taylor Fladgate Late-Bottled Vintage Port 2010, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and Fresh Raspberry Sauce.
Vintage Port
Known as “Vintage Port,” this high-end port is prepared from top-quality grapes that are only available in a single vintage. When it comes to this highly sought-after delight, quality can be quite expensive, with bottles ranging in price from a reasonable $30 to well over $200, depending on the manufacturer and the vintage.
- Classic Vintage Port is the pinnacle of the Port world, crafted from grapes of the highest quality from a single harvest season. When it comes to this highly sought-after delight, quality can be quite expensive, with bottles ranging in price from a reasonable $30 to well over $200, depending on the maker and the year of production.
It is estimated that around three out of every ten years will be certified as a “vintage” Port year, which occurs only when harvest circumstances are very favorable. Vintage Port is best consumed when it is young (15–30 years of age), although young Vintage Port (up to 5 years of age) may also provide an outstanding drinking experience. Vintage Port is best sipped when it is old (15–30 years of age).
- Vintages to look out for include: 2011, 2009, 2007, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994, 1985, 1983, 1980, 1977, 1970, and others. See an archived vintage listhere.
Vintage Port Pairing
When it comes to Vintage Port, one of its most appealing characteristics is that the high-strung, abrasive tannins of youth will soften and mellow with age (.a long time: imagine decades). Fortunately, these older bottles have retained their full-bodied character and vary from sweet to semi-sweet in terms of residual sugar, while exhibiting lower levels of intrinsic acidity than their younger counterparts. The buttery and tangy aspects that distinguish a traditional Vintage Port match, as well as the insane odor of Stilton blue cheese, are the distinguishing traits of this classic pairing.
However, you can easily substitute Roquefort, Cashel Blue, the famous French Bleu d’Auvergne, or Gorgonzola to marry the rich, silky textures of a Vintage Port with the bold, snappy stench of odiferous blue cheese to achieve the same results.
With its reputation for being a classic sipping wine, Vintage Port is a perfect pairing for small dishes that include ingredients such as blue cheese and dark chocolate as well as figs and walnuts (which add their own tannic tango to the mix).
- Combination of Churchill’s Vintage Port 2003 with Royal Blue Stilton Cheese from Long Clawson Dairy is a “aha” moment.
Tawny Port
The flavors of Tawny Ports are more complex and concentrated than those of their Ruby Port counterparts (after all, they’ve had to age in wood for a minimum of seven years before they can be consumed). Tanned Ports feature rich, silky lines that complement the delicious oxidized taste profiles of age-designated bottles. Tawny Ports are more restrained, occasionally somber, and sometimes sweet.
- A pale, brownish-golden tint (due to oxidized age)
- A “tawny” color (due to the aging process)
- Flavor:This wine has a nutty, caramelized character that often delivers buttered toffee and smoky vanilla themes in tandem with blackberry, ripe cherry, and crème brûlée alongside dried orange, sweet figs, and mocha notes, with some age-designated bottles displaying the unmistakable aromas of spiced candied pecans or sticky toffee pudding (a classic English dish)
- Aroma:This wine has a nutty, caramelized character that often Serving Suggestions: Most Tawny Ports have an age indication on the label: 10, 20, 30, or more years. This shows the average year of the grapes in the bottle, rather than the vintage year of the fruit harvest, and is shown on the label. Tawnies don’t produce sediment, therefore they may usually be skipped over the decanter. As a result of the natural oxidation, they can easily last for a month after being opened (store in fridge). Serve at a cold temperature (about 55-60°F).
Tawny Port Pairing
Tawny Ports, with their sweet to semi-sweet character, nutty overtones, dried apricots, and spiced toffee aromatics, are a perfect accompaniment for a variety of nutty treats, such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts. For example, pecan pie, almond biscotti, Portuguese salted almond cake, and caramel wrapped cheesecake are all locally inspired desserts to try. Also outstanding at bringing out the finest in baked goods such as German Chocolate Cake, cinnamon-crusted apple pie, crème brûlée, and even coconut cream pie, this wine can compliment the fluffy, full-throttle tastes of coconut cream pie.
- “Aha” A traditional French crème brûlée is served alongside Graham’s 20-Year-Old Tawny whiskey.
White Port
White Port, which is often made from a “field mix” of local white grapes such as Códega, Malvasia Fina, Esgana Co, Gouveio, Rabigato, and Verdelho, shines as a pleasant fortified wine with an alcohol content of 18-20 percent and a high acidity.
- Color:golden, amber, and occasionally with pinkish undertones
- Port’s distinctive nutty, raisin, and spice flavors will be prominent in this glass, as will the citrus and stone fruit notes that carried over from the bottle. Characterized by honeyed notes, the texture is silky and silky smooth, and it is most typically prepared in a dry to off-dry (and occasionally sweet) style. Serving Suggestions: Do not decant. As soon as the bottle is opened, the white port is ready to be poured. Serve gently cold (preferably 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit).
White Port Pairing
White Port is frequently served cold and on its own in a white wine or classic port glass, where it serves as a willing aperitif to those who ask for it. This cocktail may be spiced up with equal parts Port and tonic water and a wedge of lemon, but it is as as popular on its own. It is frequently served as an aperitif with the Douro’s famous big blanched and slightly salted almonds, but White Port is a diverse paring partner. White Ports that are drier in style go well with a variety of foods, including smoked salmon, shellfish, and sushi.
A sweeter flavor of White Port may be more your style.
- “Aha” Serving Suggestions: Churchill’s Dry White Port with Smoked Salmon Crostini
See How Port is Made
An introduction to the production of Port wine with photographs taken in the Douro Valley region. Port Wine 101: What You Need to Know
Port & Food Pairing
Port wine production basics, using images from the Douro Valley area to illustrate the process. Learn all you need to know about port wine!
What is Port Wine?
The fundamentals of port wine production, as well as images from the Douro Valley region. Port Wine 101: What You Should Know
Best Food with Ruby Port
Ruby Port is the most recent variety of port and goes well with blue cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, and sweets prepared with berries and cherries, among other things. Ruby Port may not have the nuttier flavors of old port, but it does include sweet notes of blackberries, cherries, dates, figs, plums, raisins, raspberries, and licorice to balance out the bitterness.
All cheeses go well with ruby port, but blue cheese is particularly well-suited to it because the sweet fruit flavors of the port contrast with the saltiness of the cheese.
| Varietal | Food | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Port | Chocolate | |
| Ruby Port | Roquefort Cheese | |
| Ruby Port | Cherry Desserts | |
| Ruby Port | Plums | |
| Ruby Port | Walnut Desserts | |
| Ruby Port | Cherry Pie | |
| Ruby Port | Brownies | |
| Ruby Port | Dates | |
| Ruby Port | Strawberries | |
| Ruby Port | Strawberry Desserts | |
| Ruby Port | French Silk Pie | |
| Ruby Port | Anko (red bean paste) | |
| Ruby Port | Butternut Squash Ravioli | |
| Ruby Port | Rhubarb Tart | |
| Ruby Port | Poached Pears | |
| Ruby Port | Blackberries | |
| Ruby Port | Cheddar Cheese | |
| Ruby Port | Berry Desserts | |
| Ruby Port | Fruit Desserts | |
| Ruby Port | Foie Gras | |
| Ruby Port | Raspberry Dessert |
Best Food with LBV Port
A youthful kind of port, Ruby Port goes well with blue cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, and sweets prepared with berries and cherries, among other things. In place of the nuttier flavors of old port, Ruby Port is characterized by its sweet notes of berries and fruits such as blackberries, cherries, dates, figs, plums, raisins, raspberries, and licorice. All cheeses pair well with ruby port, but blue cheese is particularly well-suited to it because the sweet fruit flavors of the port contrast with the saltiness of the cheese’s texture.
| Varietal | Food | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Valençay Cheese | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Goat Cheese | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Brownies | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Chocolate Chip Cookies | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Nuts | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Light Chocolate Cake | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Chicken in Mole Sauce | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Pork in a Mole Sauce | |
| Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port | Enchiladas in a Mole Sauce |
Best Food with Vintage Port
Wines like vintage port go well with blue cheese, smoked cheese, chocolate and nutty desserts, and appetizers that include figs, dates, or cheese. Vintage Port is best served chilled. Wine of the greatest quality, Vintage Port can be aged for decades and is the most expensive type of Ruby port. In addition to the meals we indicated for Ruby, Vintage will match well with all of the dishes we described for Ruby, but because it has deeper flavors of butterscotch, dried fruits, smoke, and spices, it will pair especially well with special occasion cuisine.
Vintage Port is pricey in part because it is not produced every year, which is one of the reasons behind this.
Vintage Port has the ability to age for up to a century, making it a very rare and valuable fortified wine.
| Varietal | Food | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage Port | Stilton Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Chocolate | |
| Vintage Port | Fourme D’ambert Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Roquefort Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Cherry Desserts | |
| Vintage Port | Dark Chocolate | |
| Vintage Port | Custard Desserts | |
| Vintage Port | Nutty Desserts | |
| Vintage Port | Plums | |
| Vintage Port | Walnuts | |
| Vintage Port | Figs | |
| Vintage Port | Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Almonds | |
| Vintage Port | Berry Desserts | |
| Vintage Port | Blue Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Gorgonzola Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Coffee-Flavored Desserts | |
| Vintage Port | Cookies | |
| Vintage Port | Nuts | |
| Vintage Port | Bruschetta | |
| Vintage Port | Cheddar Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Reblochon Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Ricotta Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Sbrinz Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Tete De Moine Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Vermont Shepherd Cheese | |
| Vintage Port | Fruit Desserts | |
| Vintage Port | Hazelnut | |
| Vintage Port | Beef Teriyaki |
Best Food with Tawny Port
Tawny Port goes well with a variety of foods, including blue cheese, foie gras, chocolate cheesecake, ham, roasted almonds, apple pie, fruit cake, tiramisu, and crème brûlée, among others. The longer a Tawny Port is aged, the better it is at pairing with rich dishes, since the wine develops richer and more complex flavors. An aged Tawny Port, for example, goes well with foie gras, whereas an aged Tawny Port from 10 years ago goes perfectly with an apple pie (or any other dessert). However, no matter which kind of Tawny Port you choose to pair with it, I doubt you’ll receive any negative feedback.
The aroma is dominated by notes of brown sugar, caramel, chocolate, coffee, dried fruit, smoke, spices, and vanilla, among others.
Tawny Port is also a good match for duck or venison meals that are served with black cherry or berry sauce.
| Varietal | Food | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tawny Port | Stilton Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Chocolate | |
| Tawny Port | Caramel | |
| Tawny Port | Roquefort Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Dark Chocolate | |
| Tawny Port | Crème Brûlée or Crème Caramel | |
| Tawny Port | Custard Desserts | |
| Tawny Port | Dates | |
| Tawny Port | Figs | |
| Tawny Port | Fruit Dried | |
| Tawny Port | Nutty Desserts | |
| Tawny Port | Pumpkin | |
| Tawny Port | Walnuts | |
| Tawny Port | Walnut Desserts | |
| Tawny Port | Caramel Glazed Apple Pie | |
| Tawny Port | Tarte Tatin | |
| Tawny Port | Crème Brûlée | |
| Tawny Port | Almonds | |
| Tawny Port | Banana Desserts | |
| Tawny Port | Tiramisu | |
| Tawny Port | Caramel / Toffee Cheesecake | |
| Tawny Port | Biscotti Nutty | |
| Tawny Port | Blue Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Gorgonzola Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Chocolate Cheesecake | |
| Tawny Port | Bayley Hazen Blue Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Milk Chocolate | |
| Tawny Port | Coffee-Flavored Desserts | |
| Tawny Port | Ice Cream Chocolate | |
| Tawny Port | Nuts | |
| Tawny Port | Prunes | |
| Tawny Port | Raisins | |
| Tawny Port | Raspberry Dessert | |
| Tawny Port | Strawberries | |
| Tawny Port | Baklava | |
| Tawny Port | Hazelnut Banana French Toast | |
| Tawny Port | Apple Pie | |
| Tawny Port | Pumpkin Pie | |
| Tawny Port | Fruit Cake | |
| Tawny Port | Pecan Pie | |
| Tawny Port | Candied Nuts | |
| Tawny Port | Jamón Ibérico | |
| Tawny Port | Caramel Tart | |
| Tawny Port | Cheesecake | |
| Tawny Port | Foie Gras Terrine Torchon Pâté | |
| Tawny Port | Dark Chocolate Truffles | |
| Tawny Port | Roasted Chestnuts | |
| Tawny Port | BreadPudding | |
| Tawny Port | Peanut Brittle | |
| Tawny Port | Apricot Dessert | |
| Tawny Port | Cake | |
| Tawny Port | Cupcakes | |
| Tawny Port | Spice Cake | |
| Tawny Port | Lancashire Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Mahón Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Monterey Jack Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Muenster Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Pecorino Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Pont-L’eveque Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Serena Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Vermont Shepherd Cheese | |
| Tawny Port | Cream Desserts like Custard or Pudding | |
| Tawny Port | Flan | |
| Tawny Port | Foie Gras | |
| Tawny Port | Macadamia Nuts | |
| Tawny Port | Peaches | |
| Tawny Port | Rice Pudding | |
| Tawny Port | Strawberry Desserts | |
| Tawny Port | Vanilla | |
| Tawny Port | Pork Satay |
What is the Difference Between Tawny and Ruby Port?
Tawny Port varies from Ruby Port in that it is matured for a longer period of time in tiny wood barrels.
Tawny Port has a nutty and dried fruit flavor as a result of this. Ruby Port is only a couple of years old at the most, and as a result, it is considerably fruitier and sweeter than Tawny Port, which is matured for several years.
Best Food with Colheita Port
Colheita Port goes well with a variety of desserts such as crème brûlée, chocolate cake, brownies, trail mix, and fruitcake. Colheita Port is a kind of Tawny Port in which the wine has been matured in oak barrels for at least seven years and the grapes have been harvested from a single vineyard. Colheita Port has notes of caramel, coffee, almond, honey, plums, cherries, dried fig, smoke, and walnuts in addition to other fruits and spices. You get the best of both worlds since you get a good balance of fruit and almonds.
| Varietal | Food | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Colheita Port | Cheese | |
| Colheita Port | Crème Brûlée | |
| Colheita Port | Dark Chocolate | |
| Colheita Port | Brownies | |
| Colheita Port | Walnuts | |
| Colheita Port | Trail Mix | |
| Colheita Port | Fruit Cake | |
| Colheita Port | Chocolate | |
| Colheita Port | Nuts | |
| Colheita Port | Dried Fruit | |
| Colheita Port | Light Chocolate Cake | |
| Colheita Port | Fruit Cup | |
| Colheita Port | Chocolate Pudding |
Best Food with White Port
Dry White Port is finest served chilled and served with seafood, smoked salmon, swiss cheese, or as an aperitif before dinner. Sweet White Port goes well with melon sweets, cheese, white chocolate desserts, strawberry shortcake, and lemon squares, to name a few pairing options. White port has flavors of citrus, honey, peaches, and almonds, among other things.
| Varietal | Food | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| White Port – Dry | Oysters | |
| White Port – Sweet | Sponge Cake | |
| White Port – Sweet | Cantaloupe | |
| White Port – Sweet | Watermelon | |
| White Port – Sweet | Pears | |
| White Port – Dry | Salmon Smoked | |
| White Port – Sweet | Strawberry Shortcake | |
| White Port – Dry | Swiss Cheese | |
| White Port – Sweet | Sorbet | |
| White Port – Sweet | Lemon Bars / Lemon Squares | |
| White Port – Sweet | Peaches and Cream | |
| White Port – Sweet | White Chocolate | |
| White Port – Dry | Gouda Cheese | |
| White Port – Dry | Crab | |
| White Port – Dry | Lobster |
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