 Port
By John W. Schultz
Port, that sweet, sweet wine! A holiday
favorite, Port can really hit the spot, especially during the
winter months when hearty foods are the order of the day.
 Authentic Port comes from Portugal, but there are quite a few
great imitations from Washington, California and Australia. Styles
vary greatly so it's best to experiment and over time. Try them
all if you get the chance.
The production of Port is a unique process whereby grape wine
brandy is added to a wine early in its fermentation process,
raising the alcohol level and stopping fermentation, this allows
the wine to retain plenty of natural sugars and gives Port its
sweetness. The higher alcohol of this wonderful wine balances the
bold character and sweeter flavors of Port. There are a wide
variety of Port styles ranging from copper colored 'Tawny' to deep
dark 'Vintage' Port.
Port can certainly be sipped by itself, but the addition of
just the right food can really bring to life a great combination
of unique flavors. Cheese, nuts, fruits and dessert are generally
the best match for the heady sweetness of Port. Add a good cigar
and you have a classic finish to any evening.
Stilton
is the traditional cheese
 to
serve with vintage character Ports such as Graham's Six Grapes,
Dow's LBV, or indeed any Vintage Port. Stilton is a blue cheese
from England but you can also experiment with any blue such as
Gorgonzola or Mont Briac (a blue French Camembert). Add some
walnuts and pear slices to these fine cheeses and you have a taste
sensation that can't be beat.
Creamy cheeses such as Brie, Camembert and Vacheron are best
enhanced by the flavors of Tawny Ports, such as Graham's 10 Year
Tawny or Dow's 1982 Reserve Tawny. Serve walnuts or Brazil nuts
and a selection of dried fruits as accompaniments.
For chocolate lovers, try a ruby Port or a vintage character
such as Grahams Six Grapes, or Smith Woodhouse Lodge reserve.
These Ports have the richer, fruitier flavors that stand up to the
sweetness of chocolate.
Another great treat with Port is fruitcake. In fact, Port is
generally recognized as the only wine to drink with these
dense, sweet confections. Any style of Port should do nicely.
For a fantastic selection of cheese to go with port, see Robert
Kingen in the deli at Pete's Supermarket on Lake Union. If you'd
like a cigar recommendation to go with your favorite bottle of
Port, stop in at the Ballard Market and see Olé Thompson.
Enjoy!
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