How to Drink Port Wine: Enriching Your Tasting Experience

Port Wine is one of the most revered wines, with a rich history dating back centuries; as a product of Portugal’s Douro Valley, this fortified wine offers a range of styles, from the youthful, thriving Ruby to the rich, sophisticated Tawny, each revealing unique layers of flavour.

Are you a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey with Port? Either way, there’s always more to discover about enjoying this versatile drink.

In this guide, brought to you by Sandeman, the house of Port Wine, Sherry wine, Brandy, and Madeira wine, we’ll explore the best ways to drink Port Wine and enrich your tasting experience, focusing on serving techniques, food pairings, and selecting the right glass.

Understanding the Different Types of Port Wine

Acquiring knowledge about the various types of Port Wine is essential for understanding how to enjoy it best.

Port comes in several styles, each with its unique characteristics:

1. Ruby Port

Known for its rich red colour and vibrant fruit flavours, Ruby Port is best enjoyed when young; it offers bold tastes of cherries, blackberries, and plums, making it a popular choice for beginners.

A premium option, Vintage Port is made from grapes from a single exceptional harvest and is bottled unfiltered, meaning it matures in the bottle over time.

2. Tawny Port

Aged in wooden barrels, Tawny Port develops complex flavours of nuts, caramel, and dried fruits; the longer it ages, the more refined the taste becomes.

Tawny Port is perfect for those who enjoy a more mature and nuanced wine.

3. White Port

Made from white grapes, White Port can be dry or sweet, offering flavours ranging from citrus fruits to honey.

It’s a versatile option, ideal for aperitifs or cocktails.

Serving Port Wine: The Right Way to Pour

How you serve Port Wine can significantly affect its taste and your overall experience; unlike other wines, Port is a fortified wine, meaning it has a higher alcohol content and should be served in smaller quantities.

Here are a few guidelines to follow:

1. Temperature

The ideal serving temperature depends on the type of Port – for instance, Tawny Ports are best served slightly chilled (around 12°C-16°C), while Ruby Ports should be served at a cool room temperature (16°C-18°C).

White Port, on the other hand, can be enjoyed chilled at around 6°C-10°C.

2. Glassware

Although Port is often served in small glasses, it’s best enjoyed in larger wine glasses with a capacity of at least 35cl, as it will allow the wine’s aromas to develop, giving you a fuller sensory experience.

Ensure the glass is wide enough at the base but narrows slightly at the top, similar to glasses used for red wines.

3. Decanting

Older Ports, such as Vintage Ports, often contain sediment and benefit from decanting; this procedure helps separate the wine from the sediment, allowing the flavours to shine.

Simply pour the wine slowly into a decanter, stopping when sediment appears at the neck of the bottle.

Food Pairings: Elevating Your Port Wine Experience

One of the best ways to enjoy Port Wine is by pairing it with the right food; thanks to its variety of flavours, Port complements a wide range of dishes, from savoury snacks to rich desserts.

Here are some pairing suggestions based on the type of Port:

1. Ruby Port

The bold fruitiness of Ruby Port makes it an excellent companion for berry-based desserts like tarts or cheesecakes.

It also pairs well with rich, dark chocolate and matches soft, intense cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Vintage Port is ideally paired with strong blue cheeses, like Stilton or Roquefort; the contrast between the sweet wine and the sharpness of the cheese creates a delightful balance.

It’s also a brilliant match for decadent desserts like chocolate fondants or tropical fruits.

2. Tawny Port

Tawny Port’s caramel and nutty flavours shine when paired with desserts like crème brûlée, caramel tarts, or pastries with figs.

Try pairing it with aged cheeses like Parmesan or Manchego for a savoury option.

3. White Port

Best enjoyed as an aperitif, White Port pairs beautifully with salty snacks like roasted almonds or savoury pastries.

For a fresh pairing, try it with seafood dishes such as oysters or sushi.

Experimenting with Port Cocktails

While traditionally enjoyed neat, Port Wine’s versatility makes it an extraordinary cocktail base.

White Port, in particular, is popular in mixed drinks due to its refreshing citrus notes; a classic cocktail to try is the Portonic, a simple yet sophisticated mix of White Port and tonic water served over ice with a slice of lemon.

You can also experiment with Ruby Port in cocktails, adding a twist of orange and a dash of bitters for a refreshing, fruity drink.

Try blending Tawny Port with aged spirits like whisky or brandy to elevate your cocktail game for a warm, luxurious moment.

These cocktails work wonderfully as an after-dinner drink, particularly in colder months.

Special Occasions and Gifting Ideas

Port Wine is a beautiful choice for gifting, especially during festive seasons – from the vibrant Ruby to the mature Tawny, a bottle of Port is a thoughtful gift that suits various occasions.

For a truly memorable present, opt for an aged Tawny or a Vintage Port, as these are often considered luxurious and indulgent.

Sandeman’s portfolio offers a wide selection of Ports perfect for gifting, including beautifully packaged aged Tawnies and limited-edition Vintage Ports.

Storing and Enjoying Your Port Wine

Once opened, the longevity of Port Wine varies depending on its type: Ruby Ports are best consumed within a month except for Vintages, which should be enjoyed within 2-3 days due to their delicate nature.

Tawny Ports can last between 2-3 months once opened, while White Ports can last up to one month when stored in the fridge.

Port (except for Vintages) should always be stored upright to minimise contact with the cork and kept in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.

If you plan on ageing a bottle of Vintage Port, it’s best stored lying down to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal.

Conclusion: The Perfect Way to Enjoy Port

Port Wine offers endless enjoyment possibilities, from how it’s served to the foods it complements.

Understanding the different types of Port, how to serve it, and what foods to pair it with can elevate your tasting experience to new heights.

Whether you enjoy it as an aperitif, pair it with your favourite dessert, or experiment with cocktails, Port Wine will surely enrich any occasion.

This tailored guide reflects the rich history and quality of Sandeman’s portfolio of Port Wines; if you’re ready to explore the world of Port, there’s no better time to open a bottle and savour the moment.