Porto Cruz Pink Rosé Porto

Porto Cruz Pink is the rosé expression from Gran Cruz, the Douro's largest Port house, drawn from red grapes grown on the slopes along the river, including Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca.

The pink colour comes from technique rather than blending: the must is given only brief contact with the grape skins before being drawn off, so it takes up berry aroma and a blush of colour without turning red. After decanting, fermentation runs at low temperature to protect the fresh fruit aromas, then grape spirit is added to arrest it in the Port manner, hOlding sweetness and lifting strength to 19%. The wine is unaged in the oxidative sense, keeping it vivid and primary.

Bright pink with ruby glints, it shows ripe strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant with a floral edge of cherry blossom and a touch of vanilla. The palate is light, fruity and sweet with a honeyed lift. Serve well chilled or over ice, alone or in a spritz with tonic and mint; it partners fresh berries, a fruit tart or light desserts.