Choosing an Affordable but Acceptable Port for Christmas

When the festive season rolls around, many of us enjoy indulging in a glass of something special to mark the occasion. 

For those who appreciate a good dessert wine, Port is often a top choice – rich, warming, and perfect for sipping after a hearty Christmas meal.

However, not everyone wants to splurge on a premium bottle, especially with the cost of Christmas piling up. The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a decent Port this festive season.

Here’s a guide to choosing a budget-friendly yet delightful Port to add some cheer to your Christmas celebrations.

1. Know the Basics

Port is a fortified wine from Portugal, and it comes in several styles, each offering something unique. The most common types you’ll encounter are:

Ruby Port: This is the most affordable and widely available. Ruby Ports are typically young, fruity, and vibrant, with red fruit flavours like cherries and plums.

Tawny Port: Aged in wooden barrels, Tawny Port has a nutty, caramelised flavour. The longer it’s aged, the more complex and mellow it becomes, but even young tawny can be delicious.

Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): A step up from Ruby, LBV is from a single vintage and aged longer in the bottle. It’s still affordable and offers a richer, more refined taste.

Vintage Port: The crème de la crème, but this is the most expensive type, often costing a small fortune, so if you're on a budget, it’s best to steer clear of vintage bottles.

2. Set a Reasonable Budget

If you’re looking to spend less, you’re likely aiming for a price range between £8 and £20. While this won’t get you a prestigious vintage, you can still find enjoyable, drinkable options within this range. Supermarket own-label Ports often offer excellent value for money and are worth checking out. Stores like Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Aldi frequently stock well-reviewed budget Ports.

3. Look for Ruby or Tawny Ports

As a general rule, Ruby and Tawny Ports will be the most affordable options. Ruby Port is a great choice if you’re looking for something bold, sweet, and straightforward to pair with chocolates or Christmas pudding. Tawny Port, on the other hand, offers a more mellow, warming experience, ideal for sipping by the fire or serving with a cheese board. You can often find young Tawnies that offer decent complexity without the high price tag.

4. Consider Late Bottled Vintage (LBV)

If you want to treat yourself without venturing into the realm of expensive vintage Ports, LBV is an excellent middle ground. LBV Ports are from a single vintage and aged for around four to six years before bottling, which means they offer more depth and character than standard Ruby but are still reasonably priced. LBV Ports usually cost between £12 and £20, making them a smart choice for something a little more special.

5. Don’t Ignore Lesser-Known Producers

When looking for a good value bottle, it’s easy to be drawn to big-name brands, but lesser-known producers can often offer better deals. Portuguese producers like Fonseca, Graham’s, and Dow’s have a solid reputation, but you might find some hidden gems from smaller wineries at a fraction of the cost. Look out for online reviews and supermarket award winners to guide your choice.

6. Pairing and Serving Tips

Port pairs beautifully with a wide variety of Christmas treats. Ruby Ports are fantastic with dark chocolate, fruitcakes, and rich desserts, while Tawny Ports are perfect with nuts, cheese, and lighter pastries. If you’re serving it to guests, remember that Port is best enjoyed slightly chilled, around 12-16°C for Ruby and 10-12°C for Tawny.

7. Where to Buy Affordable Port

Supermarkets are your best bet for budget-friendly Ports. Aldi and Lidl often stock surprisingly good Ports at very reasonable prices, with both Ruby and Tawny varieties regularly available. Tesco Finest, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, and Waitrose also offer excellent own-label Ports that rival well-known brands for a fraction of the price.

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a delightful glass of Port this Christmas. By choosing a Ruby or Tawny Port, exploring LBV options, and considering supermarket own-brands, you can find a lovely, affordable bottle that pairs perfectly with your festive treats. With a little bit of savvy shopping, you can enjoy the richness and warmth of Port without overloading your Christmas budget.

Port also makes a lovely and thoughtful Christmas gift, too.

Happy Port sipping this Christmas.