Imagine biting into the crisp, golden layers of a perfectly crafted cannoli, only to have your palate elevated by the rich, velvety texture of a high-quality port wine. The pairing of the classic Italian pastry and the flavorful, fortified wine creates an experience that is anything but ordinary. Just recently, I indulged in three luscious cannolis with three port wines from W. & J. Graham’s (sent as samples). A superb pairing, it’s time you do the same.
Why choose Port to pair with cannoli? Port, a fortified wine, is rich and full-bodied with a higher alcohol content. It offers a complex profile of dark fruit, chocolate, spices (depending on the style) that helps the creamy, sweet canoli filling burst with even more flavor and luxuriousness. Its sweetness plays well with the sweetness of the cannoli and Port’s texture complements that of the crispy cannoli shell and creamy fillings.
W. & J. Graham’s
This iconic company was acquired by Symington Family Estates in 1970. Still, it has been an independent family business known worldwide for producing high quality port wines for two hundred years. Graham’s was one of the first Port companies to invest in its own vineyards in the 1890s and even today, it remains on the cusp of innovation and winemaking techniques. 10 Symington cousins share responsibility for all aspects of this B-Corp certified company. For more about Graham’s Port, click here
Perfect for any occasion and for those who want to experience three styles of Port without a huge commitment, the Graham’s Trio Pack ($55) has three Ports packaged in a 200 ml size each.
Decadent and delicious, the cannoli with a slightly sweet chocolate ricotta filling was perfectly matched with Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port. The name is an homage to the six grapes symbol that dates back to the 19th century as a mark of top-quality fruit cultivated in the Douro Valley in Portugal. Full bodied with rich black fruit flavors and intense cherry and ripe plums aromas, this Port is a staple in my house… and I’m considering cannoli as a staple, too. Six Grapes is bottled ready to drink and is best served slightly chilled. Once open, consume within 8 weeks – not hard to do, especially with this 200 ml bottle.
What to pair with a caramel driven cannoli with cinnamon? Open a bottle of Graham’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port, aged for 10 years in seasoned oak, of course. Deeply tawny in color with aromas of nuts, honey, figs and caramel. Thanks to oak ageing, I found ripe fruit flavors leading to a lingering, ever-so-satisfying finish. Enjoy slightly chilled, then drink within 8 weeks.
Savory and sweet, Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port “is a reflection of the three essential arts of Tawny Port winemaking: blending, cooperage, and prolonged ageing in seasoned oak casks for an average of 20 years until reaching peak maturity.” Just wow! Sipped with a rich cannoli with dried fruit, pistachios and creamy ricotta (with a dollop of vanilla ice cream to ensure decadence!), the Tawny Port revealed layers of nuts, orange peel and fruit on the nose and palate. Balanced and sophisticated, this is quite a find. Like the other selections, enjoy this style slightly chilled for 8 weeks after opening.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
To continue the exploration of wine, check out my online wine education course, Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!) available on Teachable.
Click HERE for information and to enroll.
