Sandeman Imperial Tawny Port

- Serve slightly chilled (12-14°C) in a small tulip-shaped glass to concentrate aromas while keeping the tawny’s warmth and complexity.
- Create a Port & spiced pecan shot by gently warming the Port and mixing with toasted pecan syrup and a dash of cinnamon; serve in a shot glass garnished with a roasted pecan.
- Pair with polenta bites topped with quince poached in Port and a crumble of blue cheese finished with a rosemary sprig and a drizzle of Port reduction for a gluten-free savory appetizer.
- Assemble pulled turkey sliders with slow-cooked turkey thigh maple-braised collard greens Port mustard and crispy fried onions on multigrain rolls—serve open-faced to showcase layers and enjoy alongside a glass of Port.
- Use as a drizzling sauce over roasted root vegetables or caramelized figs to enrich dishes with its sweet nutty depth.
- Host a Port & dessert tapas night serving miniature desserts like fig tartlets walnut biscotti or dark chocolate mousse alongside small glasses warmed gently.
- Incorporate in an after-dinner cocktail by blending warmed tawny Port with brandy a cinnamon stick and an orange twist served in a heatproof glass for a cozy digestif.
- Present with an artisan cheese platter featuring aged manchego Stilton or aged Gouda complemented by dried apricots and Marcona almonds plated on a dark slate for contrast.
- Celebrate special occasions by serving Port in vintage etched glasses enhancing tactile and visual experience paired with dark chocolate-dipped candied orange peels.
- For a creative twist freeze Port into ice cubes and serve them in a cocktail with ginger ale and a sprig of fresh thyme for a refreshing aromatic highball.

For optimal storage of Port maintain a cool stable temperature between 12°C and 20°C (54°F to 68°F) with around 13°C (55°F) often cited as ideal to prevent spoilage from temperature fluctuations. Avoid temperature swings which can cause expansion and contraction of the wine and cork risking oxidation.

Store the bottle lying on its side to keep the cork moist preserving its seal and preventing shrinkage and air ingress. This also applies to unopened bottles.

Keep Port in a dark place away from direct sunlight and artificial bright light since light exposure can degrade the wine’s quality.

Maintain relative humidity around 70-75% for long-term storage to prevent cork drying and shrinkage; too dry an environment compromises the seal.

Store bottles in a vibration-free environment to avoid disturbing sediment and accelerating degradation.

For opened bottles keep them upright and well sealed to minimize oxygen exposure. Tawny Port is more stable and can last 4-6 weeks after opening if stored sealed at cool room temperature; refrigeration is not mandatory but cooler conditions help. Vintage Ports require faster consumption (within days) and should be refrigerated after opening.

Avoid sealing opened bottles with corks that have been removed or with loose caps; use proper wine stoppers or vacuum seals for best preservation.

In summary apply consistent cool temperatures darkness stable humidity side-lying position for unopened bottles upright and sealed for opened and minimal vibration to best preserve Port quality and shelf life.