Sandeman Founders Reserve Ruby Port

- Serve slightly chilled (about 15°C) in large tulip-shaped glasses to highlight the fresh fruit character.
- Pair with pungent blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort for a bold contrast.
- Create a Ruby Royale cocktail: pour 1 oz port into a flute and top with sparkling wine; garnish with a fresh orange twist.
- Drizzle port warmed gently over vanilla bean ice cream or chocolate mousse for an indulgent dessert twist.
- Pair with savory dishes featuring smoked sausage duck confit or barbecue-style meats to balance smoky richness with port’s fruitiness.
- Serve alongside a charcuterie board including spicy Asian-style cured meats and pickled vegetables for an adventurous pairing.
- Use port as a base in a cocktail with bourbon maple syrup and Angostura bitters stirred over ice and garnished with brandied cherries.
- Enhance cocktails with fresh mint and muddled strawberries mixed with port and soda water served in a tulip glass over ice.
- For a unique presentation float a thin orange slice or a cinnamon stick as a garnish in the glass to add subtle aromatic complexity.
- Enjoy port with fruit-forward desserts like sour cherry tart or rhubarb cobbler to amplify the wine’s tart berry notes.

For storing Port maintain a cool stable temperature between 12°C and 20°C (54°F to 68°F) ideally around 13°C to 15°C (55°F to 59°F). Avoid temperature fluctuations to prevent cork damage and oxidation.

Keep bottles away from direct sunlight and heat sources to avoid spoilage and flavor degradation. A dark place like a basement wine cellar or interior closet is suitable.

Maintain relative humidity around 70% to 75% to prevent cork drying and shrinking which could let air enter the bottle. Too dry an environment risks cork deterioration.

Bottle position:
- For unopened Ruby Port store bottles either upright or on their side; Ruby Port does not require long aging so upright storage is acceptable.
- If storing long-term or for other port types lay bottles on their side to keep the cork moist and sealed.

Sealing: Ensure the bottle caps or corks are intact and airtight. Once opened reseal tightly and store bottles upright to minimize oxidation.

After opening: Consume Ruby Port within 3 to 4 weeks. Refrigeration is not required but storing opened bottles in a cooler place can help maintain quality longer.

Avoid excessive humidity that causes mold or labels to peel but keep enough moisture to protect cork integrity. Avoid storing near strong odors that could permeate cork.

In summary key points for Port storage:
- Temperature: 12–20°C (55–68°F) stable cool environment
- Light: Keep in darkness no direct sunlight
- Humidity: 70–75% ideal for cork preservation
- Position: Upright or on side (upright better after opening)
- Sealing: Ensure cork intact; re-seal tightly after opening
- After opening: Upright sealed consume within 3–4 weeks

These conditions will best preserve the quality and shelf life of the Port.