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Is there a good substitute for port? It's for a slow cooked pork loin recipe. I'm not concerned about the alcohol, but I would like to keep the cost down.

Aaronut
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Jason Baek
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1 Answers1

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Decent port is not necessarily expensive; you may find yourself spending more on the meat. For example, Sandeman's Founders Reserve 750 ml runs about US$15 before taxes, Dow's Fine Tawny 750 ml is about US$13, and Graham's Six Grapes Ruby 750 ml is about US$8 (and this is just the start of the list). These are, perhaps, not the connoisseur's choices, but they are hardly undrinkable. Depending on the laws where you live, you (or your favorite wine shop) can order any of these online from a variety of sources.

Port has a unique character that is not easy to replicate with any other wine or fortified wine. If you are trying to replicate a result, do not substitute. If you really want something else that will serve the same role even if it will taste different, I would look to a Madeira, a cream sherry, or sweet Marsala (depending on your tastes).

Bruce Goldstein
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  • You make an excellent point. Jeff Smith who wrote "The Frugal Gourmet Cooks With Wine" stated that you need to make a decision when using wine. Either you want to showcase the wine you are drinking with the meal or showcase the dish you have prepared with wine as a compliment to your meal. I think I will buy the ruby port and if I can't find a cheap bottle I'll just "suck it up" and pay the listed price per bottle. –  Dec 12 '13 at 03:38