What is port wine cheese?

What is Port Wine Cheese?

Port wine cheese is a type of cheese that has been aged in port wine, a fortified wine from Portugal. The process of aging the cheese in port wine gives the cheese a distinctive flavor, texture, and aroma. Port wine cheese is also known as "Port-aged" cheese or "Port-infused" cheese.

Types of Port Wine Cheese

There are several types of port wine cheese available, including:

• Cabot Clothbound Port Washed Rind Cheese: This type of port wine cheese is made with raw cow’s milk and has a semi-soft texture. The cheese is washed with port wine during the aging process, which gives it a sweet and creamy flavor.
• Boyd Blue Cheese: This type of port wine cheese is made with raw sheep’s milk and has a tangy, pungent flavor. The cheese is aged for at least 60 days in a humid environment and is regularly rubbed with port wine and honey.
• Red Windsor Cheese: This type of port wine cheese is made with pasteurized cow’s milk and has a semi-hard texture. The cheese is aged for at least 60 days and is infused with port wine during the aging process, which gives it a sweet and mellow flavor.

What Makes Port Wine Cheese Special

So, what makes port wine cheese special? Here are a few things that set it apart:

• Flavor: Port wine cheese has a unique and complex flavor profile that is developed through the aging process in port wine. The flavor is sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
• Texture: The texture of port wine cheese is smooth and creamy, with a slightly firm consistency.
• Appearance: Port wine cheese typically has a rich, golden-brown color and a natural rind.
• Aging Process: The aging process in port wine gives port wine cheese a unique texture and flavor profile that cannot be replicated through other methods.

Port Wine Cheese Pairings

Port wine cheese pairs well with a variety of foods and beverages, including:

• Fruit: Port wine cheese is a great pairing for fruit, such as apples and grapes.
• Chocolates: The sweetness of port wine cheese makes it a great pairing for chocolates.
• Meats: Port wine cheese pairs well with meats, such as prosciutto and ham.
• Nuts: Port wine cheese is a great pairing for nuts, such as walnuts and almonds.

Here is a list of suggested wine pairings for port wine cheese:

Conclusion

Port wine cheese is a unique and delicious type of cheese that has been aged in port wine. It has a distinctive flavor, texture, and aroma that makes it a great addition to any cheese platter. With its unique flavor profile and pairing possibilities, port wine cheese is a must-try for any cheese enthusiast. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a variety of foods and beverages, port wine cheese is sure to be a hit.