A bottle of vintage port is the perfect way to end an intimate Valentines Day meal, it has been claimed.

Wine Spectator recommends a bottle such as the Ramos-Pinto Tawny Port Ten Year Old Quinta da Ervamoira, which offers flavours of toffee and marshmallow.

Alternatively, the Warre Tawny Port Ten Year Old Otima is "vibrant and floral", flavoured with raspberry and caramel. Chocolate fans may wish to pair their dessert with Dow Port Trademark Reserve.

However, renowned pastry chef Gina DePalma told the publication that including vintage port in the dessert itself is a great way to end a romantic meal.

Examples include a walnut tart with vintage port zabaglione cream or a port-soaked dried fruit compote with cheese.

Wine expert Doug Frost recently told the Kansas City Star that vintage port is currently very good value, as demand for the fortified wine is not reflecting the quality of the produce.