Mature Port Pairings: Beyond the Dessert Plate
Port is a fortified sweet wine that comes from Portugalโs Douro Valley.
Sure, we all know Port as that sweet, after-dinner sipper, often paired with a decadent dessert.
But mature Port, with its complex flavors honed by age, offers a much wider range of exciting culinary adventures.
Let's delve into some delicious pairings that go beyond the usual suspects.
A Cheese Odyssey:
Cheese and Port? A classic pairing, yes, but with mature Port, the possibilities elevate to new heights.
Imagine the richness of a 10-year Tawny Port dancing on your tongue alongside the nutty complexity of a 18 months aged Comtรฉ cheese.
Move on to a 20-year Tawny, its mellow character a perfect foil for the aged bite of a Pecorino Romano or a 24 months Parmigiano Reggiano.
But don't stop there! For a truly decadent experience, a Reserve Port can hold its own against the rich creaminess of Pont L'Evรชque, Taleggio, or Brie de Meaux.
Feeling adventurous?
Reach for a Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) with a Valenรงay or Crottin de Chavignol, where the wine's bright fruit notes will meet the earthy charm of the goat cheese in a delightful tango.
Finally, for the cheeseboard's grand finale, unleash the power of a Single Vintage Port. Its bold structure and concentrated flavors stand up magnificently to the assertive pungency of Stilton, Gorgonzola, Shropshire, or Roquefort.
A Chocolatey Affair:
The love story between Port and chocolate is well-established, but with mature Port, the plot thickens. Imagine a Ruby Port or Reserve Port swirling around a rich chocolate tart, its sweetness echoing the dark chocolate's intensity. For a lighter touch, a dark chocolate mousse can find a beautiful partner in a Ruby Port, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Beyond the Usual Suspects:
Moving beyond traditional pairings, mature Port offers exciting possibilities for the adventurous gourmand. Imagine the luxurious richness of a 20-year Tawny Port complementing the decadent fattiness of Foie Gras on a bed of brioche. The sweetness of the Port cuts through the richness of the Foie Gras, creating a truly unforgettable bite.
Hearty Feasts:
Don't relegate Port to just cheese and dessert! For a truly unique savory experience, try a Single Vintage Port with slow-cooked meats. Imagine the wine's robust tannins complementing the smoky richness of pork belly or brisket. Pulled pork sliders take on a whole new level of sophistication when paired with a Single Vintage Port, the sweet fruit notes balancing the savory barbecue sauce.
East meets West:
For a truly international flavor explosion, explore the pairing of Old Single Harvest Tawny Port with Peking Duck.
The Port's aged character beautifully complements the duck's crispy skin and savory meat, offering a delightful counterpoint to the sweet and savory hoisin sauce.
So, the next time you reach for a bottle of mature Port, remember โ With its versatility and depth of flavor, mature Port is an invitation to explore a world of unexpected and delightful pairings.