Dow's Crusted Porto 2002 (Port Wine)

The Thumb Test

Neglected in the back corner of my wine cabinet sat two lonely bottles of port. Surely a great wine to keep on hand, yet I rarely consider opening one. No time like the present.

So, which one to enjoy? Forgetting anything about the particular bottles themselves—where I got them or who gave them to me—I asked my husband to choose. At first I thought he'd take a close look at the wine label, maybe read the carefully written, persuasive copy on the back...but no.

He gave them the thumb test.

The Juicy Wine Details Bottle    Dow's Crusted Porto Year       2002 Grape    Blend Region  Portugal Price      ~28.00 Shop     Northside Wine & Spirits

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He picked up each bottle, stuck his thumb into the indentation on the bottom of the bottle (called a punt) and chose the bottle with the deeper dimple. The theory is, the bigger the punt, the better the wine. (Whether there's any truth to this, I have no idea.) The winner? Dow's Crusted Porto, by a knuckle.

For the nightcap food pairing, my hubby was quick with another suggestion: Devils on Horseback, dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon. I have to admit, he couldn't have been more spot on. The raisin-y, sweet and oaky port was a perfect match to the smokiness of the bacon, which caramelized with the sugars in the dates and played off the bite of the blue cheese.

We sipped and savored, chatted and relaxed, enjoying the splendid flavors—and this lovely chance to reconnect. Don't worry, lone bottle of port. We'll be enjoying you soon.

Diane Timba is a new contributing writer at Thursday Happy Hour. Check out her lifestyle wine column here on Wednesdays. Any neglected bottles in your wine cabinet? Let Diane know in the comments below. Or chat with her on Facebook.

Comments

[Gary Allard]

Yea, this pairing was inspired and spot on. We had the last two glasses of a '97 Woodbridge Portocino from Lodi with the Devils on Horseback (little bacon saddles!). Sooo good.

[Shelly]

So rich and yummy! I can't wait to serve this appetizer/wine combo as a dessert -- bacon and smoky port, what could be more surprising and delicious?