Randy Chandler
Port wine cheese is a delightful medley of flavours, combining the sweet berry notes of port wine with the sharp taste of cheddar cheese. While it is a tasty treat, does port wine cheese go bad? Well, it depends on the type of port wine used. For example, a tawny port can be good for a few weeks, while a vintage port may only last a few days. In general, sealed port wine cheese can last for a year or more in the fridge, but once opened, the cheese curds should be consumed within two weeks for the best flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation | Sorbic acid is added to prevent mold |
| Flavor | Sweet, nutty, creamy, sharp |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized cultured milk, salt, enzymes, water, reduced lactose whey, cream, port wine, corn starch, disodium phosphate, sea salt, sorbic acid, lactic acid, guar gum, annatto (color), red #40 |
| Allergens | Milk, eggs, traces of soy, wheat, almonds, and pecans |
| Storage | Should not be frozen; lasts a year or more when sealed in the fridge |
| Shipping | Vacuum-sealed; shipped in insulated boxes with gel ice packs if temperatures are above 60 degrees |
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What You'll Learn
How long does port wine last after opening?
Port wine can last longer than table wines in an open bottle due to its higher alcohol content and high levels of residual sugar, which act as preservatives. Refrigeration will also extend the shelf life of an open bottle of port wine, as it slows down the process of oxidation, which causes changes in the wine's aroma and flavour profile.
Vintage Port
Young vintage ports (less than 5 years old) can last 4-5 days once opened, while older vintage ports (more than 15 years old) are best consumed within 2-3 days of opening. Really old vintage ports (more than 25-30 years old) should be consumed within 24-48 hours of opening.
Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Ports
Unfiltered LBV ports stored in a cool place can be enjoyed for about two to three weeks after opening, while filtered LBV ports can last up to 10-12 days.
Colheita Port
Younger Colheita ports (less than 15 years old) can last up to two to three weeks after opening without any noticeable deterioration in quality.
White Port
White port will last up to 2-3 weeks after opening if stored in the fridge, although it is recommended to finish it within 1-2 weeks to enjoy it at its best.
Aged Tawny Ports
Aged tawny ports can last for up to 2 months after opening if kept cool.
While port wine can be enjoyed for several weeks after opening, it is important to note that oxidation begins as soon as the bottle is opened, and the wine's character and flavour profile may change over time.
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How to store port wine cheese
Port wine cheese is a delicious treat, but it needs to be stored correctly to keep it tasting its best. Here are some tips to ensure your cheese stays fresh and flavoursome:
Keep it Cool: Port wine cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at all times. Keep it well-wrapped in its original packaging or a dedicated cheese container to maintain freshness and prevent odours from other foods affecting its flavour.
Maintain Moisture: Cheese can dry out quickly, so it's important to maintain the right humidity levels in your refrigerator. Try placing the cheese in a container with a damp cheesecloth or paper towel to help regulate moisture. You can also store it in an airtight container with a slice of apple or bread, which will help keep the cheese from hardening.
Avoid Freezer Storage: Freezing cheese can affect its texture and taste. Port wine cheese should not be frozen; instead, buy or make smaller quantities that you can consume within the recommended storage timeframe.
Best Before Dates: Always check the best before dates on your cheese. Consume the cheese within a few days of opening, even if the date suggests a longer life, as exposure to oxygen will cause it to deteriorate faster.
Storage Duration: Port wine cheese, when stored correctly, can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, it is best consumed within the first week to guarantee optimal freshness and flavour.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can ensure your port wine cheese remains in prime condition, ready to be enjoyed at your leisure.
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Port wine cheese ingredients
Port wine cheese is a mass-produced product in the United States. It is a cheese or cheese spread heavily flavoured with port wine. It is typically used as a spread on crackers and can be rolled into a cylinder or a ball, sometimes covered in nuts.
The ingredients in port wine cheese vary depending on the recipe, but most include a combination of the following:
- Ruby port wine (reduced)
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Salt
- Pecans or other nuts
- Mustard
- Butter
- Cayenne
- Brown sugar
- Corn starch
- Disodium phosphate
- Sea salt
- Sorbic acid (a preservative)
- Lactic acid
- Guar gum
- Annatto (colouring)
Some recipes also include cream or half-and-half, and suggest serving the cheese with crackers or as part of a casserole. Port wine cheese can be made at home using a food processor, or it can be purchased pre-made from stores.
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Port wine cheese taste
Port wine cheese is a rich, smooth, and full-flavoured cheese with a tangy hint of sweet fruit and a sharp taste. The cheese is made with port wine, which gives it a sweet berry flavour. It is typically made from Wisconsin cheddar, which is sourced from local family farms. The milk is combined with port wine, as well as natural seasonings, salt, enzymes, and preservatives. The result is a sweet, nutty, and creamy cheese that pairs well with crackers, crusty artisan bread, dried fruits, nuts, and French or Italian bread. It can also be used in recipes such as a Port Wine Butternut Squash Casserole.
Port wine cheese is a popular choice for those who enjoy the taste of cheese and wine together. It offers a unique flavour profile that combines the sharpness of cheddar with the sweetness of port wine. The cheese is described as having a sharp taste and a tangy hint of sweet fruit, suggesting that it has a balanced blend of savoury and sweet notes.
Reviews of port wine cheese spreads have described the taste as "perfection" and "very well made". Some customers have said that they couldn't stop eating it and that they were able to finish a container in one sitting. The sharp and tangy flavour of the cheese seems to be particularly well-liked, as it adds a unique twist to the traditional cheddar cheese.
The combination of Wisconsin cheddar and port wine creates a delightful medley of flavours that has attracted many positive reviews. The cheese is described as having a smooth texture and a rich, full-bodied flavour. The addition of port wine imparts a distinct character to the cheese, making it a popular choice for those seeking a gourmet cheese experience.
Overall, port wine cheese offers a unique taste experience that combines the sharpness of cheddar with the sweet, fruity notes of port wine. Its smooth texture and rich flavour make it a delightful choice for cheese lovers, and its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from crackers to casseroles.
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Port wine cheese pairings
Port wine and cheese is a classic combination that has endured for generations. The sweetness of port wine pairs well with the saltiness of cheese, and the savoury character of both is enhanced when they are enjoyed together. Port wine can be easily paired with many strong flavours of cheese, but some pairings are more successful than others.
When it comes to specific pairings, a good place to start is with a classic: a blue cheese such as Stilton, Roquefort, Shropshire, or a creamy blue like Gorgonzola or Cambozola, paired with a Ruby Port. The fruitiness of the Ruby Port complements the saltiness of the blue cheese, and the smooth texture of the port plays up the nutty notes of the cheese. Another classic pairing is a Tawny Port, known for its nutty and caramel notes, with a salty, creamy, rich and strong Cheddar, Gouda, or Parmigiano-Reggiano. The saltiness and savoury characteristics of these aged cheeses complement the sweetness of the Tawny.
For those who prefer a more adventurous approach, a White Port can be paired with a tangy goat cheese. The fresh and fruity notes in the White Port complement the sharpness of the goat cheese, creating a surprisingly refreshing pairing. Another option is to pair a White Colheita, with its flavours of dried fruit and nuts, with a nutty Manchego or Comté cheese.
Port wine can also be paired with softer, creamier cheeses. A young Extra Dry White Port goes well with goat's cheeses, as the wine's acidity and fruity profile will match the delicate profile of the cheese. Brie, Camembert, Wigmore, or young Crotin are also good matches for a young White Port. More intense cheeses such as St Jude, Reblochon, or St Marcellin will be best alongside a White Colheita.
Vintage Ports, often chosen to mark festive moments, require a powerful cheese to match their aromatic and tannic power. Intense, non-creamy blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort will stand up to these wines, and the saltiness of the cheese will balance the strong tannins of the wine.
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Frequently asked questions
Port wine cheese lasts for a year or more when sealed in the fridge. It should not be frozen.
Port wine cheese is made by blending sharp cheddar cheese, water, reduced lactose whey, cream, port wine, and other ingredients such as corn starch, disodium phosphate, and preservatives.
Port wine cheese can be purchased online from specialty cheese retailers or in-store at select locations.
