Port, beyond the after-dinner pour

The perfect partner for winter entertaining

Founded in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest and most respected port houses in the world. Amazingly after more than 330 years, it remains an independent family-run company dedicated exclusively to the production of exceptional port wine.

Over the centuries, port has been enjoyed around the world, most often as an after-dinner drink. It has been gifted millions of times as a christening present to be aged and enjoyed years later, and been the drink of choice for late-night chats, games of cards and philosophical musings.

And while port has a rich history, its place in modern entertaining is evolving. It’s no longer a drink to be enjoyed only by silver-haired foxes seated in front of a roaring fire before tootling off to sleep!

For many hosts, it is still associated with late evening as a glass served alongside cheese or dessert. But these days entertaining is changing, and port is shaking off the ‘traditional’ mantle, finding a role throughout the night. A chilled white Port and Tonic, a Port Negroni or a Frosted Tawny Old Fashioned all make for knock-out cocktails, while rich tawny ports pair beautifully with roasted nuts, charcuterie platters and savoury nibbles.

The deep, intense flavours of Taylor’s LBV Port can stand up to hearty dishes like grilled or roasted meats, game dishes, or even rich steaks with peppery or berry-based sauces. Later in the evening, a glass or two of mature Taylor’s 10YO or 20YO Tawny encourages guests to slow down and savour both the wine and the company, and here is where the perfect pairing of nutty or decadent blue cheeses, alongside fruit pastes and walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds comes to the fore.

But port isn’t just for drinking, it makes an amazing addition to loads of wintry recipes. When reduced with stock, shallots, herbs and butter it becomes an incredible sauce for grilled steak and when used for braising it adds an incredible depth and hint of sweetness to braised meats. When it comes to dessert, port is an absolute winning combination with dark chocolate mousses, cakes and truffles and can even be used for poaching pears and apples to serve with lashings of dark chocolate or vanilla bean ice cream.

Somehow port manages to have an appeal that straddles both classic and modern, nostalgic and fresh. And for those that need reminding, or have never experienced the magic of port, it brings a sense of occasion to any gathering.

Discover Taylor’s Port at all good liquor stores near you or tap HERE