Before we delve into the food and wine pairings, let us discuss what Port is. Port is a fortified wine that is made with adding grape spirits of approximately 77% to currently fermenting grape juice/must. Because the fermentation period is halted by this process, it leaves behind a sweet wine that is highly alcoholic due to the strong spirit that is added. It was highly popular in the 17th century since fortified wines were far more stable in transit from one country to another via boat.
The grapes that are made for Port are robust, tannic and create full bodied wine due to the nature of the grape and the climate in Douro Valley in Portugal. Port is a blend of various grapes. For red and rosé Port, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, etc. are often found in the blend. For white Port, the grapes involved are typically the indigenous Portuguese grapes Gouveio, Moscatel Galego, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato and Viosinho. Like red Port, these wines are also full bodied.
When pairing food with Port, it is important to consider balance above all other factors. Choose food options that are bold in flavor, and that are rich on the palate to complement with the wine without getting overpowered by it.
Ruby Port Food Pairing
Ruby Ports are among the most commonly found Ports in the wine market. Chances are if you go to anywhere wine is sold, you will find at least a few options of ruby Port. Although it is the most simple and the freshest and least complex of the red Ports, it is bursting with sweet flavors of red fruits and often, hints of baking spice and mocha. Some great pairings are any dessert that is chocolate based, such as chocolate cake, cheesecake, mousse, milk chocolate truffles, etc. The richness of the chocolate mirrors the richness of the wine, creating balance. The red berries and the chocolate go very well together, which is why one often finds red berries served with chocolate desserts. Try it with medium or hard cheeses such as Romano, Cheddar, and Pecorino.
Tawny Port Food Pairing
This is a Port that has notes of brown sugar, caramel, toffee, and dried red fruits. If you are serving a dessert that has fall inspired flavors, such as apple, cinnamon, caramel, etc. Tawny Port is the right choice. Some great pairings are caramel apple pie, sticky toffee pudding, and pumpkin pie. Some cheese pairings that can be paired with tawny Port are Grana Padano, Parmesan, and aged Gouda. These cheese options are stronger in flavor with a hearty mouthfeel, which provides a solid counterbalance to the full bodied wine.
Aged Indicated Tawny Port Food Pairing
These wines will have an approximate number of years on the bottle, e.g. 10 years, that represent the average age of all the wines that the blend comprises. These wines have similar characteristics of aromas and flavors, but with higher intensity and structure compared to the more basic tawny Port. Pair this with Crème Brûlée, as the torched sugar topping has the same butterscotch and caramel notes of the wine, and the vanilla custard compliments the similar notes found in the wine! Opt for some hard flavorful cheeses, such as aged white Cheddar that is strong and rich to balance the bold notes of the tawny Port.
Late Bottled Vintage Port Food Pairing
This is a type of Port that has a more robust structure compared to a simpler Ruby port, with more acidity and tannin levels. Because there is a mandatory aging period (4-6 years), this wine will have a more “open” flavor profile to it, along with more pronounced spice notes from the oak. Chocolate desserts will also go well with LBV Ports for the reasons described above, but it can stand up to more dark chocolate flavors compared to milk chocolate. Although it pairs beautifully with darker chocolate, this does not mean that it is limited to just dessert. Try it with a mole sauce with pork, beef or chicken.
Vintage Port Food Pairing
This is the highest quality Port option of them all. These wines have the most tannin, acid, intensity on the nose and palate, and the longest ageability. Serve this with any dessert that has chocolate or mocha notes, but only select the desserts that have the highest quality ingredients. As these wines age, they will develop notes of dried berry, and forest floor that pairs best with desserts with complexity. Pecorino Romano, Manchego, Stilton, Parmesan, or Aggiano would pair beautifully with the stronger flavors and the heartier mouthfeel to create balance with this full bodied wine.
White Port Food Pairing
White port can be on the sweeter side, or drier. If your wine is on the drier side, it can pair well with more savory food items, such as olives, almonds, shellfish, and sushi. The sweetness (although a drier option), will highlight the umami and briney notes in foods such as these, and will create a contrasting balance. If the wine is on the sweeter side, try it with fruitier desserts that highlight fresher fruits, such as white chocolate covered strawberries, key lime pie, lemon meringue pie, or a fruit platter!
Rosé Port Food Pairing
Rosé Port is a lighter version of ruby Port as they are used with the same grapes, but with less extraction. They pair beautifully with dishes that also have chocolate, but may not be the main component such as strawberry cheesecake with chocolate curls. Try it with Asian style appetizers (wontons, dumplings, spring rolls, etc),and Asian curry noodles! The highly flavored appetizers will pair harmoniously with the more robust notes in this wine, and if there is any heat, it will be tempered by the wine’s sweetness! 
Best Foods To Pair With Port Wine
As we can see from the various types of Port above that there are many options. However, a common theme is that desserts and strongly flavored cheeses provide the best pairings. It is an excellent choice of wine to cap off the end of the night, maybe even with a cigar!
- Crème Brûlée
- Blue Cheese
- Chocolate
- Cheesecake
- Truffles
