Serving and storing Port wine: Tips and tricks
Serve Tawny slightly chilled at about 12 to 16 degrees C, Ruby at a cool room temperature of about 16 to 18 degrees C and White Port chilled at about 6 to 10 degrees C. Store bottles in a cool, dark place. Producer Sandeman says opened Ruby lasts about a month, Tawny 2 to 3 months and Vintage only 2 to 3 days.
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In this article
What temperature should Port be served at?
| Port | Serving temperature |
|---|---|
| Tawny | Slightly chilled, about 12 to 16 degrees C (54 to 61 degrees F) |
| Ruby | Cool room temperature, about 16 to 18 degrees C (61 to 64 degrees F) |
| White | Chilled, about 6 to 10 degrees C (43 to 50 degrees F) |
These figures are from the producer Sandeman. Treat them as a guide.
What glass should you use?
Sandeman recommends a larger wine glass with a capacity of at least 35 cl, wide at the base and slightly narrower toward the top, like a red wine glass, so the aromas can develop. Pour a small measure rather than filling it.
How should you store unopened Port?
- Keep it in a cool, dark place.
- Store it upright, except Vintage Port, to limit contact with the cork.
- If you plan to age Vintage Port, lay it down so the cork stays moist.
How long does Port last once opened?
| Port | Opened shelf life (Sandeman) |
|---|---|
| Ruby | About a month |
| Tawny | 2 to 3 months |
| White | Up to a month in the fridge |
| Vintage | 2 to 3 days |
Use your nose and taste: if it smells flat, sour or dull, replace it.
Should opened Port go in the fridge?
Sandeman gives fridge advice only for White Port (up to a month once opened). For other styles, keep the bottle re-corked and follow the opened-life times above.
Why is the old advice wrong?
A claim that Port lasts 18 months in storage and must always stand upright is too broad: unopened Port keeps far longer, and Vintage Port is the exception stored on its side.
People also ask
How long does Port last after opening?
Sandeman says Ruby about a month, Tawny 2 to 3 months, White up to a month in the fridge, and Vintage only 2 to 3 days.
Should Port be chilled?
White Port yes, Tawny slightly, and Ruby is served at a cool room temperature.
Should Port be stored upright or lying down?
Upright, except Vintage Port, which is stored lying down if you plan to age it.
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