How to Serve Port

Nothing helps to soothe the soul after a weary day like a glass of good quality port. However, uncorking the bottle and downing the liquid is not the way to go. If you really want to make the most of that soothing glass of port, here is how to go about it.

Place the bottle in a spot that is out of direct sunlight and relatively cool. Do this at least six hours before you plan on serving the port. This will allow any sediment contained in the bottle to settle to the bottom and not emerge with the first pour.

Uncork the bottle roughly an hour before serving. This allows the pork time to breathe. Be careful to remove the cork with care, so that it does not break into small pieces and fall back into the contents of the bottle.

Decant before you pour. Instead of pouring directly from the bottle, pour a portion of the port into a glass decanter. Not only does this look more inviting, it also allows the port to breathe a little more before serving. As a bonus, you can also quickly determine if any sediment or small pieces of cork made it into the decanter, and extract them.

Slowly pour the port into a crystal port glass, Tilt the glass slightly while you pour. If no port glasses are handy, go with a wine glass that tapers in slightly at the top.

Tips & Warnings

Keep in mind that port is intended to be savored, not guzzled like an ice cold beer. Employ the Three S's while enjoying the port '" swirl, sniff, and sip '" to get the most satisfaction. Make it a point to sniff the port after uncorking the bottle and again after pouring into the decanter. This will give you two opportunities to make sure the port has not turned to vinegar at some point in the past.