Are there particular desserts that one should pair port with?

Yes and no, says Dave Cedrone, a wine consultant who offers private tasting, basic wine education, etiquette classes, and buying services for the restaurant industry.

He notes that despite

common guidelines, personal preference is the most important part of choosing your pairing. "The one rule that I was told when I was learning about wine is that there really aren't any rules and you are the one who decides everything. No one can tell you that you are matching something wrong because in the end if it tastes good to you then that's the best possible way to serve it." That said, there are some general tips to take into consideration when planning your menu. Always make sure the wine is sweeter than the dessert, so the luster of the port is not lost. And try to eliminate especially sugary options from your list. Avoid lighter fare such as cream puffs and sorbet and instead focus on denser, heavier options like pumpkin pie and flourless chocolate cake.

Cedrone explains, "Port is a higher alcoholic beverage, so it's going to be more full bodied. Generally speaking, how high the alcohol content is in a wine is what determines its body. When people refer to light body, medium body, and full body that's generally based on the alcohol content. The higher alcohol content tends to come with a heaver mouth feel; it just feels a little thicker. Port is very flavorful and rich." Another thing to consider when serving Port as your accompaniment is the type of meal that preceded the dessert course,if you've just served a light vegetarian meal, perhaps a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting would complement that nicely. Or if you served a heavier main course containing steak or pasta, try a rich custard drizzled with caramel sauce or another decadent accent. Don't be afraid to experiment with ideas you see in magazines or on cooking shows. You may find that something you never thought would work is actually perfect for your purposes. Desserts featuring fruit can also be a nice compliment to your Port wine. Strawberry shortcake, peach cobbler with a nutty topping, cheesecake with cherries and apple crisp would all be acceptable, in addition to more casual favorites like banana bread and caramel apples.

Some more versatile possibilities, which could work well with a variety of meals, include bread pudding, rice pudding, flan, fudge, pecan pie, oatmeal raisin cookies, turnovers and brownies. And don't forget,regardless of whether you're preparing a hot or cold dessert; be sure to serve your Port wine between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If it becomes too warm, the flavor will suffer and that could ultimately affect the taste of your dessert. Also, for maximum enjoyment, only fill your glasses of port up halfway. This will ensure the aroma is fully expressed. It may be best to experiment with a few single-serving store bought desserts and perform your own taste tests before you make a final decision. Whatever you choose, just remember to have fun and don't limit yourself to recommendations from others. Decide what suits your needs best and enjoy it.