The Perfect Cheese And Port Wine Pairing

Port and cheese is a classic combination. The sweetness and rich, deep flavours of port go perfectly with the saltiness of cheese. While port is often paired with blue cheese, it can also be enjoyed with a variety of other cheeses. The key to a good pairing is matching the strength of the cheese to the strength of the port. A powerful, vintage port, for example, needs a mature, strong cheese to stand up to it, while a younger port might be better suited to a softer, creamier cheese.

Blue cheese and port is a classic combination

Port wine and cheese is a classic combination, and one of the most well-known and loved pairings is blue cheese and port. This combination is so iconic, it even has its own party trick: a mouthful of port is chased with a nubbin of blue cheese, followed by another mouthful of port, and so on, in an "unending cycle of pleasure".

Blue cheese, in general, is a fantastic partner for port. The salty, savoury, spicy, and tangy characteristics of blue cheese are balanced by the fruity and nutty flavours of port. This pairing works so well because of the contrast between the sweet port and the strong, salty, savoury blue cheese. The result is a harmonious combination that enhances the complexity of both the wine and the cheese.

When it comes to specific types of blue cheese, English varieties such as Stilton, Shropshire, and Yorkshire Blue are excellent choices. These cheeses are known for their strong, rich flavours and smooth textures, which perfectly complement the fruity notes of the port. Another option is to go for a mature, aged blue cheese, such as a much-loved Stilton or a matured Roquefort, which will have a great match with the deep, juicy fruit and balsamic nuances of a Vintage Port.

While blue cheese and port is a classic, it's important to remember that port can also be paired with other cheeses. In fact, by only pairing blue cheese with port, we may be missing out on some other wonderful combinations. For example, a young Extra Dry white port pairs beautifully with goat's cheeses, as the wine's acidity and fruity profile match the delicate profile of the cheese. Brie, Camembert, Wigmore, or young Crotin are also excellent choices to pair with a young white port.

Vintage Ports are best paired with aged, hard and spicy cheeses

Port wine and cheese is a classic combination, and a comforting tradition during the Christmas season. Port's complex diversity means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pairing it with cheese. However, vintage ports, often chosen for festive occasions, are best enjoyed with aged, hard and spicy cheeses.

Vintage Ports are powerful wines with luscious fruit and assertive tannins. They require a cheese that can stand up to their aromatic and tannic strength. Soft and creamy cheeses will be overpowered, with the fat binding unpleasantly with the tannins. Aged, hard and spicy cheeses, on the other hand, offer the perfect balance of flavour and texture.

Aged Cheddar, Lincolnshire Poacher, and Comté are ideal choices. These cheeses have rich, nutty and fruity flavours that complement the Vintage Port's deep, juicy fruit and balsamic notes. The saltiness of these cheeses is key, as it balances the tannins in the wine.

For an intense experience, non-creamy blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort are excellent matches for Vintage Port. The saltiness and savouriness of blue cheese become even more pronounced when paired with the fruit and nut characteristics of port, creating a sublime combination.

When serving Vintage Port and cheese, consider adding dried cranberries, prunes, and walnuts to enhance the pairing. This combination is perfect for a festive evening, creating a special moment of relaxation and enjoyment.

White Ports go well with softer, creamier cheeses

Port wine and cheese is a classic combination, and one that is particularly enjoyed during the festive season. Port's sweet and powerful flavours are matched by the saltiness and rich flavour of cheese. However, it is important to note that not all cheeses pair well with port wine.

White Ports, for example, go well with softer, creamier cheeses. A young Extra Dry White Port is best paired with goat's cheeses, as the wine's acidity and fruity profile will complement the cheese's delicate, fresh and sometimes citric finish. 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, are better suited to a White Colheita.

In general, blue cheese is a classic pairing for port wine, especially with Ruby Ports. The strong, rich flavour of blue cheese and the smooth texture of Ruby Port enhance the nutty notes in the wine. Smith Woodhouse Ruby Port, for instance, is an excellent match for Yorkshire Blue Cheese.

For Tawny Ports, a salty, creamy, rich and strong cheddar is the ideal pairing. The strength of this flavoursome wine needs to be balanced by a powerful cheese. Blue cheese is also a good option for Tawny Ports, as it will bring out the nutty notes in the wine.

Ruby Ports are a good match for fresh goat cheese

Port wine and cheese is a classic combination. Port wine offers comforting flavours, from sweet and fruity to deep and rich, and cheese is savoury, salty, and rich in flavour. The saltiness and rich flavour of cheese match the port's sweet and powerful flavours, making it a perfect combination.

Ruby Ports, with their intense rich fruity nose, are a good match for fresh goat cheese. When paired with fresh goat cheese, ruby port takes on a sour cherry pie flavour. The lemon notes in the cheese bring out the florality of the wine.

The Fonseca Bin 27 Port is a good example of a ruby port. It has a deep, youthful ruby colour and intense rich fruity notes of blackberry, cassis, cherry, and plum aromas interwoven with notes of spice.

For a successful pairing, it is important to consider the style of port you are drinking and choose a cheese that will complement its flavours. For example, a weak cheese paired with any port wine will result in a loss of flavour. On the other hand, a powerful cheese can hold its own against a strong wine.

Port and cheese is a special moment during an evening of cheese, a time when conversations are flowing, and everyone is relaxing and enjoying a bite to eat with a perfect glass of port wine.

Aged Tawny Ports complement aged gouda

Port wine and cheese is a classic combination, and a match made in heaven for many. Port wine offers a range of comforting flavours, from sweet and fruity to deep and rich, which complement the savouriness of cheese. The saltiness and rich flavour of cheese match the port's sweet and powerful flavours, making it an ideal post-dinner treat.

When it comes to pairing port with cheese, it's important to consider the style of port you're drinking. Different types of port will complement different cheeses, enhancing the flavours and creating a harmonious tasting experience. One such pairing is Aged Tawny Ports with aged gouda.

Aged Tawny Ports, also known as "aged tawnies", are characterised by their attractive amber colour, smooth silky palate, and sublimely complex and opulent flavours. These ports undergo an extended barrel ageing process, resulting in nutty, lighter flavours. The gradual exposure to air through wooden casks imparts unique flavours to the wine, such as orange peel, black fig, date, and rose.

Aged gouda, on the other hand, is a crystalline, butterscotchy cheese that develops a complex flavour profile as it matures. The combination of Aged Tawny Ports and aged gouda is a majestic pairing, as the dusky floral notes of the port complement the rich, buttery, and slightly sweet flavours of the cheese.

When creating this pairing, consider adding some fresh grapes, membrillo (quince paste), and roasted winter nuts to further enhance the tasting experience. These accompaniments will not only provide textural contrast but also complement the flavours of both the port and the cheese.

While Aged Tawny Ports and aged gouda make a sublime duo, it's worth noting that Tawny Ports of different ages may pair better with other cheeses. For example, a 10- or 20-Year-Old Tawny Port pairs well with mature farmhouse cheddar, highlighting the rich, nutty, and fruity characteristics of the cheese. On the other hand, a 30-Year-Old Tawny Port may be too concentrated for cheese and is best enjoyed with a dessert or a cigar.

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