So, how do you drink Port wine?
Port isn’t just something the older generation breaks out at Thanksgiving or festive meals – it’s one of the world’s most iconic wines. Packed with bold flavors, rich textures, and a big personality, Ports are food-friendly, versatile and fun. So whether you’re new to Port and want to know about the difference between Tawny and Ruby, or are interested in how to serve it properly or choose a food pairing, let's take a look and help you level up your Port game.
What is Port Wine?
Port is made in the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal, where vineyards sit on high, stepped terraces that rise above the Douro river, Port wines offer are ideal for drinking on special occasions, or for enjoying in the colder months.
With a higher alcohol content than table wine, a glass of port delivers a memorable end to a meal, and its rich and complex flavors making it a great alternative to other dessert wines.
Do you want to take a deep dive into the world of dessert wines? Take a look here.
Depending on the style of Port you choose, you can expect a sweet and full-bodied wine, often with flavors of dark fruit, spice and chocolate. Whether you're looking for something vibrant and fruity, or a bottle of a rich, deep reserve port, there's a wide selection to choose from.
How is Port made?
Port is made by fortifying the base wine with grape spirit, which stops the fermentation process and results in a sweet, fortified drink.
It can be made from around 40 different grape varieties, but most Ports are produced from a blend of five popular grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão.
What types of Port are there?
Ruby Ports
Young, fruity and vibrant, and a rich red in color, Ruby Port is a great starting point if you’re new to Port, and is best enjoyed young.
Tawny Ports
This very sweet wine is aged in wooden barrels, where it develops complex flavors of dried fruit, nuts and figs with caramelized undertones.
Vintage Ports
Made from the best grapes in a single harvest and aged in bottles, Vintage Port is rich and complex. It's perfect for special occasions and can undergo extended aging for many years before drinking.
LBV (Late Bottled Vintage Ports)
LBV Port is made in the same style as Vintage Port but is designed to be enjoyed after a relatively short period. LBV Ports are typically aged in wood for four to six years before being bottled, making them smooth and approachable as well as affordable.
White Ports
White Port is made from white grapes and is normally served chilled. It comes in two styles, dry and sweet. It's a great aperitif made that’s ideal with salty bar snacks like potato chips and roasted nuts, and it pairs beautifully with seafood, especially oysters.
How to serve Port wine?
Temperature: Some Ports should be served slightly chilled, rather than at room temperature. The best serving temperature depends on the type of Port – White Port needs to be well-chilled. Vintage and Ruby Port is best served between around 16°C to 18°C and Tawny Port around 12°C to 16°C
Decanting: If you’re drinking an aged Vintage Port, decanting the bottle about 30 minutes before drinking separates the wine from any sediment in the bottle and lets the aromas and flavors open up.
Glassware: Port is traditionally served in small crystal glasses, or in smaller quantities due to its higher alcohol content. A medium sized glass with a small serving of port will allow the wine to show to best advantage.
Temperature: Some Ports should be served slightly chilled, rather than at room temperature. The best serving temperature depends on the type of Port – White Port needs to be well-chilled. Vintage and Ruby Port is best served between around 16°C to 18°C and Tawny Port around 12°C to 16°C
Decanting: If you’re drinking an aged Vintage Port, decanting the bottle about 30 minutes before drinking separates the wine from any sediment in the bottle and lets the aromas and flavors open up.
Glassware: Port is traditionally served in small crystal glasses, or in smaller quantities due to its higher alcohol content. A medium sized glass with a small serving of port will allow the wine to show to best advantage.
Port Wine and food pairing
Port pairs well with charcuterie and strong, aged cheeses. It’s also a great match with artisan washed-rind cheeses and blue cheeses that bring out the sweetness in the wine:
Tawny Port works well with salted, roasted or smoked nuts which enhance the wine’s nutty flavors, or with cream-based desserts such as crème brûlée or crema Catalana.
Ruby Port and cheesecake, especially berry cheesecake, complement each other well. It's also great with dark chocolate.
Rich desserts made with chocolate and caramel are also good pairings for Port wines.
Its rich flavors make Port a great option in the holiday season – try it with traditional fruit cakes or English Christmas Pudding.
Using Port in cocktails and cooking
Port cocktails are great for pre-dinner drinks. Mix Ruby Port with a twist of orange and a dash of bitters, and soda water or try Tawny Port in a Porto Negroni. White Port is traditionally mixed with tonic water and served over ice as a refreshing aperitif in the warmer months.
For cooking, you can use Port in place of red wine in recipes that call for fruity reds, or a Port sauce or reduction can add an extra touch of class to steaks and roasted meats.
Storing and Aging Port Wine
Unopened bottles of Port should be carefully stored on their side in a cool, dark place.
Once you've opened the bottle, you'll need to drink Vintage ports within a few days to enjoy them at their best. Ruby Port is best consumed within a month, while Tawny Ports will last a little longer. Keep White Port in the fridge after opening and use it up within a week or two.
Enjoying the Port experience
Whether you're already a Port wine fan enjoying the taste experience of Vintage Port, or you're buying your very first bottle, there's a fortified wine out there that's ideal for you.
So uncork a bottle, pour yourself a glass and get started. Cheers!