de-krans-pink-port.JPGA recent road trip included a visit to De Krans winery in Calitzdorp and a tasting with the modest Boets Nel. De Krans is recognised as one of the leading port producers in South Africa, having produced three consecutive 5-star ports in the Platter Wine Guide, for their 2003, 2004 and 2005 Vintage Reserve Ports.

The three hour long tasting encounter with Boets reinforced my opinion as to why this winery produces quality ports. The attention to detail and pride shown by Boets clearly transfers to his winemaking. Note, I am using the word Port, for while the European Union is counting down the days to South Africa no longer being “allowed” to use the word Port, it seems to have slipped the minds of policy makers that there is the small matter of handing over 15 million Euro’s to our SA producers in exchange for our discontinuing the use of the word Port.
What a treat it was then to be introduced to the first-ever SA Pink Port, released less than two weeks ago. Why a Pink Port? The idea was hatched late in 2007 by winemaking brothers Boets & Stroebel to create a fortified rosé during the 2008 harvest from traditional port grape varieties. The wine was made in early February and the two brothers were delighted by the outcome. Early in March this year Marks & Spencer in the UK, launched Croft Pink produced by Croft, one of the original port houses in the Douro Valley in Portugal, hence, the fortified rose gave way to Pink Port. Pink Port is made from traditional port varieties Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca and Souzão. The lovely blush colour was acquired by allowing only a few hours skin contact and the juice was cool fermented for approximately 5 days before fortification with unmatured brandy spirit. The result is a port with a lovely vibrant blush colour, rich ripe flavours of fresh red berries and a long, lingering aftertaste.This new style of port is aimed at all port lovers who will enjoy the wonderful freshness and flavour spectrum of this wine all year round.

Serving suggestions:  Enjoy well-chilled or on crushed ice in summer, as an aperitif with nuts and olives. In the cooler months of the year, this port can also be served at room temperature with olives, nuts or any pâté of your choice.Analysis: 

Sugar : 75 g/l Alcohol: 19%VOL

TA : 5,0 g/l

Bottle size : 375 ml

Ph : 3.80Cellar price: R28.00

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