Marks & Spencer (M&S) has hailed the launch of Pink Port as the first new port style since the introduction of LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) in 1970.
M&S describes Pink Port, which is being targeted at younger, female port drinkers, as “light in style, bright pink in colour with fresh fruit aromas” and a “crisp dry finish”. The sugar level is equal to that of ruby ports.
Pink Port is made using six traditional port grape varieties and M&S said the challenge facing winemakers was to “capture varietal characteristics, without allowing the intense tannins to dominate”.
The vinification method meant “careful colour extraction”, followed by cold settling and cool fermentation.
M&S sees Pink Port as being a more of an all-year round drink and said the drink was best served chilled or over ice in the summer or as an accompaniment to a dessert.
Pink Port, which is 19.5% alcohol-by-volume, is available in 500ml bottles from this week at a retail price of £7.99.
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