Pairing Port with Food
Because of their richness and complexity, port wines can make a bold impression when paired well with foods. Port is most traditionally served at the end of a meal or with dessert. But it also pairs well with many appetizers and main courses. We’ve assembled some suggestions favored by the staff here at Cockburn’s.
The Classic
It is worth noting that "the" classic port pairing is Vintage Port with Stilton cheese for dessert or after dinner. If your Vintage Port is in short supply, this pairing works beautifully with any ruby port.
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| Dry fruits | Chilled Aged Tawny or Fine Tawny, Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Fois Gras | Chilled Aged Tawny or Fine Tawny |
| Blue Cheeses: Stilton, Gorgonzola, Roquefort | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Hard, flavorful cheeses: Cheddar, Gloucester | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Hard, mild cheeses: Mild Cheddar | Chilled Aged Tawny or Fine Tawny |
| Pork or Duck Liver Paté | Chilled Aged Tawny or Fine Tawny |
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| Smoked Ham and Game | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Pepper Steak | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve |
| Duck a l’orange | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Coq au Vin | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Cornish Game Hens, Roasted Chicken | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Simple Risottos | Aged Tawny or Fine Tawny |
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| Cream desserts: crème brulee, cheesecake, flan, tiramisu | Aged Tawny or Fine Tawny |
| Dark Chocolate pieces & Roasted Walnuts | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Dark Chocolate desserts, especially with raspberry sauces | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Milk Chocolate pieces & Roasted Nuts | Fine Tawny |
| Milk Chocolate Desserts | Fine Tawny or Aged Tawny |
| Light cakes, such as sponge cake or pound cake | Fine Tawny or Aged Tawny |
| Fruit desserts: cherry tart, pear tart, pineapple flambe | Aged Tawny or Fine Tawny, Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Fresh Fruit: sliced apples, raspberries, strawberries, plums | Fine Ruby, Special Reserve, Anno LBV, Vintage Port, Quinta dos Canais |
| Cream desserts: crème brulee, cheesecake, flan, tiramisu | Aged Tawny or Fine Tawny |
A Note on Ports and Cigars
Although port sometimes finds itself in the company of cigars, we caution that a veil of cigar smoke will adversely affect your ability to appreciate the aromas and flavors in your glass of port. Good manners dictate that guests refrain from smoking until the second passage of the decanter or bottle, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the port without smoke.
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