Port and Chocolate Matching at Churchill’s Port House

Churchill’s Port House in Soho is undoubtedly London’s most unusual and unique pop up. It’s the brainchild of Max Graham whose family owns Churchill Port (first British Port wine company in 50 years) with the intention of bringing Port to a new audience and to demystify Port.

Most people associate Port as a fuddy duddy drink that only appears at the end of indulgent formal dinners and the tradition of passing the Port decanter to the left is still observed. A friend of mine has a massive collection of Vintage Port which has turned out to be a great investment and it was when I developed a taste for a fine Vintage Port.  

At a recent Port and Chocolate pairing evening, we started with the Premium Tasting flight which consists of 3 ports paired with 3 chocolate truffles selected by Paul A Young.

First up is a Roasted Almond and Honey Caramel truffle paired with a White Port, served chilled. White Port needs to be reintroduced as a great alternative aperitif drink. This White Port is aged 10 years in barrels from mainly white grapes.

It has quite a savoury flavour and is normally served with  roasted almonds, hence this pairing. This truffle is made with local non grainy Richmond honey which makes the caramel really smooth.  

The second pair is a Peanut Butter and Raspberry Trifle paired with a rich Late Bottled Vintage Port. It might seem a bit strange to pair Port with chocolate and this Vintage Port would go well with peanuts so this truffle works really well.

The third pairing is a Cigar Leaf Caramel truffle which is something very unusual and special. There is a hit like hot chilli from the cigar leaf which is balanced by the oozing caramel, which is available at Paul’s shop. This truffle was paired with a 20 year old Tawny Port.

Churchill’s Port House really does a good job at changing the general public’s perception of Port. It is not longer that drink that you you pass around at the end of a meal. There are so many other ways to enjoy a good port. On their menu are a various  flights of Port to taste and you can choose to the chocolate pairing or some savoury food from their Portugese menu.

Churchill’s Port House would make a really unique night out and learn something new about different types of port. Catch it while you can.

Get more information at www.PaulAYoung.co.uk  and www.ChurchillsPortHouse.com.

EatCookExplore was a guest at Churchill’s Port House.