M&S launch pink port

A vibrant pink-coloured port described as a world first has been created to appeal to women.

Marks & Spencer is launching the tipple in wake of soaring sales of rose wine.

But a wine expert in the UK who sampled the Pink Port was unimpressed, saying it tasted “ rather cheap”.

The Pink Port is meant to be served chilled over ice as a refreshing drink, its label says.

With a 19.5% alcohol content, its raspberry pink hue is created by taking only a light amount of colour from the grape skins.

It is described as a light ruby port made from handpicked grapes from Portugal’s Douro Valley.

M&S said its Pink Port is set to transform the port industry.

The chain’s port specialist Sue Daniels said: “Some people wrongly think port is the preserve of men but we have created a drink which will appeal to women because it is light and flavoursome.”

But Guy Woodward, editor of specialist wine magazine Decanter, was unimpressed with his first taste of the drink.

He described the Pink Port’s flavour as more like vodka and cranberry juice than a typical port.

“I suspect they’re trying to jump on the rose bandwagon,” he said.

“The nose smells like a rose but then you get this whack of confected fruits and alcohol on the palate.

“M&S has built a reputation for high quality, exclusive wines, but I’m afraid this isn’t one of them. It tastes rather cheap, and is worryingly close to the alcopop market.”

Sales of rose wine at M&S have increased by 57% in the past year.