Croft Pink Port

Let's face it, Port is not exactly the most hip beverage out there. Is it good? Absolutely! There's nothing better than a rich glass of ruby or tawny Port on a cold winter's night but for most of us Port still brings up images of an Ernest Hemingway doppelganger sipping it fireside with a tobacco pipe in one hand and a leather bound copy of Moby Dick in the other. Croft, makers of Port since 1678, is trying to change that image and has introduced the first ever Pink Port in the hopes of attracting a younger group of drinkers and making Port a year round beverage. The pink hue is courtesy of a lighter skin contact with traditional Port grape varieties. It is best served chilled straight or over some ice.

Adrian Bridge, Managing Director of Croft Port stated: “The port industry needs innovation to raise awareness of port as a contemporary product which is why, three years ago, I came up with the idea of producing a lighter style of port. This will attract new consumers to the port category and at the same time de-seasonlise consumption."

When I first got wind of this product, I was really skeptical as the idea of pink Port reeks of a white zinfandel-esque marketing ploy - make it light, pink and sweet and timid palates will drink it up. I've had white Port before which is extremely tasty and underrated but pink fortified wines always taste like cough syrup to me which is not a good thing no matter how well Robitussin makes you go beddy-by.

Well as the saying goes - don't knock it till you try it so I did and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It's an extremely well made product with sweet strawberry and raspberry flavors. It's also refreshingly light and easy to drink - almost too easy which is a problem considering it registers at 20% alcohol. Charles, our friend KC and I polished off an entire bottle in one sitting with some strawberry cake that I had made - tasty pairing.

I really think Croft has something here as the style will certainly appeal to a new generation of Port drinkers. It should make for a nice summer drink over some ice with a splash of soda to cut the sweetness. Croft Pink retails for around $20 a bottle.