Port Wine

Vitis vinifera Alcohol (Fortified Wine)

Port Wine Alcohol (Fortified Wine)

At a Glance

  • Category Alcohol (Fortified Wine)

The Forktionary Angle

"A luxurious fortified wine that brings depth, sweetness, and a touch of sophistication to both sipping experiences and gourmet cooking."

Definition

A sweet, fortified Portuguese wine, primarily produced in the Douro Valley, known for its rich flavor and higher alcohol content.

Aging Potential Many Ports, especially Vintage and Late Bottled Vintage, can age for decades.
Alcohol Content Typically 19-20% ABV, higher than unfortified wines.
Production Method Fortified with grape spirit (brandy) during fermentation, stopping it early and retaining residual sugar.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Port Wine are:

Sweet rich fruity (berries dried fruits) nutty caramel often with notes of spice and chocolate

Chef’s Secret

A splash of Ruby Port added to pan sauces for roasted duck or steak creates an incredibly rich, complex, and slightly sweet reduction that elevates the dish.

Best Substitutes

Madeira Wine

for cooking
Ratio 1:1

Sweet Sherry

for dessert applications
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose Ruby Port for general cooking and robust desserts, Tawny Port for nutty flavors and sipping, or Vintage for special occasions.

Recipes Using Port Wine

Preparation Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less 3 Steps Or Less

Avocado Stuffed With Dates Portuguese Cape Verde

Discover a vibrant taste of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, with this refreshing avocado salad! Inspired by a Portuguese author's culinary journey, this recipe features creamy avocados delicately stuffed with a sweet and savory date filling, subtly enhanced with port wine. Elevate this appetizer to a complete meal by adding succulent lobster or shrimp. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant dinner party, best paired with crisp white Dao wine. Learn how to prevent browning and achieve the perfect chilled filling for an unforgettable culinary experience.

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4 Hours Or Less Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Apple Walnut Rice Stuffing Vegan

This delightful vegan twist on a classic Better Homes & Gardens recipe (originally featured in a 1987 Tyson chicken ad!) transforms a cornish hen stuffing into a mouthwatering vegetarian side dish perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Inspired by the original, but adapted for modern palates, this recipe uses a vibrant mix of brown, black, and yellow rice for a unique texture and flavor profile. The sweet apples and crunchy walnuts create a delightful contrast, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for both vegans and non-vegans (feel free to add butter for extra richness!).

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Stove Top 4 Hours Or Less

Beef And Port Hot Pot

Indulge in this hearty Beef and Port Hot Pot, a flavorful one-pot wonder! Tender beef slow-simmered in rich port wine, savory stock, and aromatic herbs creates a truly unforgettable meal. Customize it with your favorite spices – chili and garlic are fantastic additions for an extra kick! Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

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Preparation Course 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

A Memory Of French Onion Soup

Indulge in this deeply flavorful French Onion Soup, a recipe passed down through generations. This heartwarming dish, originally featured on TVFN's "Calling All Cooks," evokes cherished memories and delivers an unforgettable taste. Prepare to be moved by the story behind this classic, and experience the love in every spoonful! Get ready for rich caramelized onions, a robust broth, and the perfect melt-in-your-mouth crouton topping. A truly comforting and delicious culinary experience.

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Ground Beef Eggs Dairy 4 Hours Or Less Preparation

Belgian Meatloaf

Inspired by classic Belgian cuisine, this hearty meatloaf recipe delivers a rich, savory experience. Featuring a blend of ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a touch of port and cognac, it's perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish!

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Mushrooms Main Ingredient Main Dish Preparation

Beef Tenderloin In Mushroom Port Sauce

Impress your family and guests with this elegant yet easy Beef Tenderloin recipe! The tenderloin is perfectly seared and roasted, then smothered in a decadent mushroom port sauce that's bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a delicious weeknight dinner.

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4 Hours Or Less Celebrity Occasion Main Dish

Beef Tenderloin With Roasted Shallots

Elevate your culinary game with this impressive Beef Tenderloin recipe, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special night in. Inspired by Christine's acclaimed recipe (allrecipes.com), this gourmet meal features melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin and a decadent shallot sauce that's simply unforgettable. While slightly time-consuming, the results are well worth the effort – even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. The shallots can be prepped a day ahead, making this ideal for busy schedules and holiday entertaining. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Side Dishes Side Dishes Time To Make Preparation

Beets With Balsamic Orange Dressing

Elevate your dinner with this vibrant and flavorful Roasted Beets with Balsamic Orange Dressing recipe! Inspired by a decadent duck glaze, this recipe showcases the naturally sweet flavor of roasted beets, perfectly complemented by a tangy balsamic orange dressing. An easy and elegant side dish, it's the perfect accompaniment to roast chicken, pork, or even grilled fish. The earthy beets and bright dressing create a stunning and delicious combination that will impress your guests.

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Course Vegetables Soups Stews Stove Top

Beef Stock With Port And Veggies

Elevate your culinary game with this decadent Beef Stock with Port and Veggies, inspired by Ricardo's recipe! This rich and savory broth simmers to perfection, creating a deeply flavorful base for soups, stews, or even a gourmet open-faced sandwich. Imagine: a toasted baguette topped with melted Swiss cheese, swimming in this luxurious broth – pure comfort food bliss! This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.

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Main Ingredient Course Beef Steaks

Beef Tenderloin Steaks With Mustard Cognac Sauce

Indulge in this decadent Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Rich Mustard Cognac Sauce recipe, inspired by Bon Appétit's October 2006 issue. Perfectly seared tenderloin, infused with aromatic herbs, and topped with a luxurious, creamy mustard cognac sauce – this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your guests with this unforgettable dish. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Oven Easy Occasion Dietary

Baked Figs In Port

Indulge in the sweet decadence of baked figs! This recipe transforms fresh figs into a luxurious dessert, perfectly complemented by rich port wine, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of raspberries. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat. Adapted from a Chicago Sun-Times recipe.

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Main Dish Course Steaks Time To Make

Beef Tenderloin Steak W Cherry Port Sauce

Indulge in this decadent 5 WW Points Beef Tenderloin Steak, featuring a rich and luscious cherry port sauce. Adapted from Weight Watchers' 2005 'Recipes for Success', this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner at home. The perfectly broiled tenderloin, complemented by the sweet and tart cherry port sauce, will tantalize your taste buds. A sophisticated yet surprisingly simple recipe, ready in under an hour!

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Occasion Occasion Preparation Equipment

Peaches In Port

Transform perfectly ripe peaches into a luscious, no-cook dessert in just minutes! This refreshing recipe, inspired by Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Meals, is the perfect way to use up those extra-ripe peaches. Simply slice, drizzle with ruby port, and chill for a cool and elegant treat. Topped with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, it's the ultimate summer dessert.

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Vegetables Taste Mood Cuisine Time To Make

Barszcz Beet Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of Barszcz, a classic Polish beet soup traditionally served on Wigilia (Christmas Eve). This hearty and deeply flavorful soup features earthy beets, a tangy broth, and optional dried mushrooms for an extra layer of umami. Our family recipe includes a delightful twist – a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes for extra richness! Customize your garnish and make it your own – perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Course Dinner Party

Beef Tenderloin With Port Rosemary Sauce

Indulge in this elegant Beef Tenderloin recipe, boasting a decadent port rosemary sauce. Sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible, this dish is perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party. The tender beef, perfectly complemented by the rich sauce, will leave everyone wanting more! Approximate cook time: 50 minutes.

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Course Main Ingredient Healthy Course

Autumn Cocktail

Impress your guests with this incredibly easy yet delicious Autumn Cocktail! A vibrant blend of fruity port, tart juice, and sweet raspberries, this recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Ready in minutes, it's the ultimate quick and tasty cocktail.

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Time To Make Equipment Preparation Course

Balsamic Port Drizzle

Elevate your salads with this exquisite Balsamic Port Drizzle! Ruby-red port wine lends sophisticated sweetness and depth to this easy-to-make dressing, perfect for drizzling over dark leafy greens, juicy plums, golden raisins, or dried apricots. Toasted nuts and crumbled goat cheese add delightful texture and richness. This sophisticated dressing is the perfect finishing touch for a memorable salad. Recipe adapted from Eating Well.

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Main Ingredient European Course Onions

Andreas Viestad's Norwegian Red Onion Soup With Port And Jarlsbe

Indulge in Andreas Viestad's exquisite Norwegian Red Onion Soup! This recipe features sweet caramelized onions, rich port wine, and creamy Jarlsberg cheese, creating a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. Easy to follow instructions guide you through a 40-minute cooking journey resulting in a comforting and elegant soup perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The slightly sweet and savory notes make this a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

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