The Unique Port Wine Cheese: A Tasty Pairing

Port wine cheese is a cheese or cheese spread that is heavily flavoured with port wine. It is typically made with sharp cheddar cheese, water, reduced lactose whey, cream, and port wine, and has a distinctive orange or red colour. Port wine cheese is often served as a spread on crackers or bread and can be rolled into a cylindrical shape or a ball and covered in nuts. It is a mass-produced product in the United States and is known for its sweet, fruity, and tangy flavour profile.

Port Wine Cheese Spread

The spread is made with a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, water, reduced lactose whey, cream, port wine, and various other ingredients for flavour and preservation. It is crafted with care to achieve the perfect texture and taste. The result is a spread that is smooth, rich, and full of flavour.

This spread is a wonderful choice for entertaining, as it can be served as an elegant hors d'oeuvre or appetiser. It is sure to impress your guests with its unique and sophisticated flavour profile. Port Wine Cheese Spread can be purchased online or from specialty cheese shops, and it pairs well with a variety of wines, including Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

For those who enjoy making their own cheese spreads, there are recipes available online that allow you to create your own version of Port Wine Cheese Spread at home. These recipes typically involve combining grated cheddar cheese, butter, wine, and various seasonings in a food processor to create a smooth and flavourful spread. Whether you choose to purchase it ready-made or make it yourself, Port Wine Cheese Spread is a delightful treat for any cheese lover.

Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Spread

The cheese spread is crafted with sharp cheddar cheese, made from pasteurised cultured milk, salt, and enzymes. The spread also contains water, reduced lactose whey, cream, port wine, corn starch, disodium phosphate, sea salt, sorbic acid, lactic acid, guar gum, annatto (a natural colouring), and red #40. The spread may also contain traces of soy, wheat, almonds, and pecans, and is made in a facility that handles tree nuts.

The spread has a long shelf life, lasting up to 10 months in the refrigerator. It should not be frozen. Once opened, the cheese should be stored in the refrigerator.

Reviews

Reviews for the product are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. One reviewer states that it is the "best [they] ever tasted", while another says they "couldn't stop eating it".

Port Wine Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• Ruby port wine (reduce a whole bottle down to about 3.5 oz)
• Extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
• Cream cheese (8 oz)
• Half and half (2-3 oz)
• Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon or to taste)
• Spiced pecans or almonds
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Method:

• Begin by making a port wine reduction. Pour the port into a small saucepan and boil until it reduces to a thick syrup of about 1/4 cup. Be careful not to burn it.
• In a food processor, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, port wine, half and half, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is completely mixed and smooth.
• Transfer the cheese mixture to a container and chill for 2 hours or until firm.
• Once firm, use parchment paper to form the mixture into a ball.
• If using pecans, cook them in a skillet with butter, salt, and smoked paprika until browned. Spread them out on a paper towel to cool, then chop them finely.
• Roll the cheese ball in the chopped nuts until evenly coated. You can also use sliced almonds or walnuts if preferred.
• Serve the Port Wine Cheese Ball with crackers, pita chips, sliced apples, or vegetables.

Tips:

• Always use freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that prevents it from absorbing flavours properly.
• For a vegetarian option, avoid using gelatin in the recipe.
• The Port Wine Cheese Ball can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a day or two to allow the flavours to meld.

Port Wine Cheddar Cheese

The cheese has a unique flavour profile, combining fruity and tangy notes from the port wine with the sharpness of cheddar. It is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and nutty taste. Port Wine Cheddar Cheese is a versatile product, suitable as an appetizer or a holiday treat. It can also be used in cooking, such as in a Port Wine Butternut Squash Casserole.

When it comes to wine pairings, Port Wine Cheddar Cheese goes well with Shiraz, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. The cheese is produced in various regions, including Almena, Wisconsin, and is often crafted by local dairy farms using traditional methods. The milk is sourced from local farms, and the cheese is carefully cured and pressed into blocks. Port Wine Cheddar Cheese has received accolades, such as the 2018 World Championship Cheese 2nd Place Winner, further testament to its quality and flavour.

Pairing Port Wine Cheese

Port wine cheese is an orange- and red-coloured cheese or cheese spread heavily flavoured with port wine. It is typically used as a spread on crackers or bread and is often served with dried fruits and nuts. Port wine cheese is a mass-produced product in the United States, with Wisconsin being a notable producer.

When pairing port wine cheese with other foods, consider the following suggestions:

• Crackers: Port wine cheese is commonly served as a spread on crackers. Look for hearty, artisan crackers that can withstand the weight of the cheese spread.
• Bread: A crusty baguette or rustic loaf can be a delicious base for port wine cheese. The texture and flavour of the bread will complement the creamy, nutty cheese.
• Dried Fruits and Nuts: Consider serving port wine cheese with dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or raisins. The sweetness of the fruit will contrast nicely with the tanginess of the cheese. Nuts, such as almonds or pecans, can also be a tasty addition, providing a crunchy texture and complementary flavour.
• Charcuterie: Create a charcuterie board with a variety of meats, such as salami, prosciutto, or sopressata. The savouriness of the meats will balance the sweetness of the port wine cheese.
• Salads: Port wine cheese can also be used as a salad topping. Try pairing it with a mixed green salad, a fruit salad, or a salad that features nuts and dried fruits.
• Desserts: The sweetness of port wine cheese makes it a versatile ingredient in desserts. It can be used in cheese cakes, cheese balls, or even as a topping for ice cream or fruit crisps.

When pairing port wine cheese with wine, consider the following suggestions:

• Shiraz, Merlot, or Pinot Noir: These red wines have flavour profiles that complement the sweet and tangy notes of port wine cheese.
• Fortified Wines: Consider pairing port wine cheese with other fortified wines, such as sherry or Madeira. The higher alcohol content and complex flavours of fortified wines can stand up to the bold flavours of the cheese.
• Sparkling Wines: For a festive touch, pair port wine cheese with a glass of sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco. The bubbles and acidity of these wines will refresh the palate between bites of the rich, creamy cheese.

Frequently asked questions