4 Ways of Pairing Port Wine And Pies To Take Your Tastebuds On A Joyride
Do you know that there’s a culinary pairing that’s been hiding in plain sight all this while, waiting to blow your taste buds away? Port wine and pies. Yes, you heard us right. Because sometimes it’s as simple (yet delectably complex) as that.
This isn't your usual wine and cheese or beer and pretzels combo. We’re stepping up the game and exploring how the velvety allure of port wine can elevate the humble pie to gourmet status.
For The Uninitiated
Port wine, for the uninitiated, is a fortified wine hailing from Portugal’s Douro Valley. With its deep, robust flavours ranging from fruity to nutty, port is a versatile player in the world of wines.
Ruby port boasts intense berry notes, while tawny port offers a more caramel and nutty profile.
Pies are the comfort food we never knew we needed in so many varieties. From savoury delights like steak and ale pie to sweet treats like pecan pie, pies bring a world of flavours wrapped in a golden crust.
And guess what? Each pie has a port wine soulmate waiting to be discovered (pies–they’re just like humans!)
So, how do you pair these two seemingly disparate delights? Read on and we’ll tell you.
Ruby Port with Steak and Ale Pie
Picture sinking your teeth into a hearty steak and ale pie, with the rich gravy and tender beef filling warming you from the inside. Now, add a 50 ml glass of ruby port to the mix and wait for your mind to be blown (and your palate to be dancing).
Tawny Port with Pecan Pie
For those with a sweet tooth, tawny port and pecan pie is a match made in Port-Pie heaven. The caramel and nutty tones of the tawny port harmonise perfectly with the crunchy, syrupy goodness of pecan pie (we’re drooling as we type).
White Port with Chicken Pot Pie
White port, with its lighter, slightly sweet profile, pairs beautifully with a creamy chicken pot pie and cuts through the textured richness of the dish. Serve up a chilled 50 ml glass of white port with your pie for a refreshing contrast (and thank us later).
Vintage Port with Chocolate Tart
For the ultimate indulgence, pair a vintage port with a dark chocolate tart. It’s a luxurious, decadent pairing that’s begging for its own private red carpet. Pour a modest 60 ml of vintage port to complement the tart–sip, bite and repeat.
Pro Tips
To make the most of your port and pie pairing adventure, here are a few tips:
- Temperature: Serve port slightly chilled to bring out its best flavours. Ruby and vintage ports are perfect around 16-18°C, while tawny and white ports shine at 10-12°C.
- Balance: Match the intensity of the pie with the port. Bold ports go well with rich, savoury pies, while lighter ports complement sweet or delicate pies.
- Enjoy the Ride: Take your time to savour each bite and sip. This pairing is all about enjoying the journey of flavours.
