Rosé port made an official category

The Port Wine Institute has made rosé port an official category following the high-profile launch of Croft Pink last year.

The IVDP confirmed a new ruling has been issued, paving the way for other houses to produce rosé-style ports. However, Croft has protected itself against look-alikes by trademarking the "Pink" name.

Croft was originally able to produce its pink style as the existing law did not prohibit production of a light ruby. Since hitting the market, the law has been updated to incorporate a rosé category. The wines must be made from the same varieties as other ports including Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz and must be made by the saignee method - not by blending red and white ports.

Adrian Bridge, managing director of The Fladgate Partnership which produces both Croft Pink and Marks & Spencer's own-label, told Harpers: "Pink port is bringing new consumers to the category and that is exciting for the longer term. We need to generate innovation and introduce new consumers to the delights of port. Getting people to discover it is the biggest hurdle for us."

Croft claims the launch of its Pink played an important part in lifting its overall sales, which are up more than 100% by value in the UK off-trade. However, James Griswood at Tesco reports it has been a tough sell. "It's great to see innovation in the port category but sales of Pink are slow. Getting the message across to the consumer that it isn't just a Christmas drink is difficult," he added.

There are a number other port houses already producing rosé port including Offley, Rozes and Cruz. However Symington Family Estates, which owns the second and third biggest selling ports in the UK, Taylor's and Dow's, confirmed it had no plans to make a rosé.

• Sommeliers