The oldest continuously active Port house, Croft was founded in 1588 and has been a leading producer of Port wine since the early 1800s. Imported to the United States by Kobrand Corporation, Croft continues to share the expertise it has crafted over centuries of wine production by releasing its first Reserve Tawny Port in the U.S.
Reserve Tawny Port Defined
A Fine Tawny Port is aged for 3-5 years and the next echelon has traditionally been the 10-year-old Tawny. A Reserve Tawny, however, resides between these two styles and is typically aged for approximately 7 years, providing the depth of flavor that aged Tawny is known for, coupled with a smooth character that makes it easy to drink and pair.
“While Croft Reserve Tawny is a complex Port, it is also ready to drink and retains the utmost quality,” says Adrian Bridge, CEO of The Fladgate Partnership, which owns Croft, as well as the Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca Port houses. “This complexity is due in part to grapes from Quinta da Roêda, one of the most famous Port vineyards.” By introducing the Reserve Tawny selection, Croft offers a way to experience Port wine from one of the oldest vineyards in the Douro Valley at an affordable price. Bestowed with lush richness and spice, Croft Reserve Tawny also makes an ideal cocktail ingredient for home and professional bartenders alike.
Croft Reserve Tawny Port
20% ABV, 750ml, $19.99 SRP
TASTING NOTES: Light brick red, with an amber hue. On the nose, rich red fruit, notes of caramel, raisins, and cloves. On the palate, cardamom, spice, butterscotch and elegant redcurrant, interwoven with attractive nutty aromas. Smooth, round and full of luscious strawberry jam flavors with an elegant finish.
PAIRINGS: Dried fruit, pecans, walnuts, figs, roasted almonds, desserts made with nuts (pecan pie), coffee or caramel, crème brûlée.
To showcase the richness and complexity of Tawny Port, Andy Seymour of Liquid Productions has crafted the following cocktail:
Jack the Spy (in reference to an historic member of the Croft family)
1 ¼ oz. Rye Whiskey
1 oz. Croft Reserve Tawny Port
½ oz. Aperol
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Stir thoroughly and strain over a big ice cube, garnish with a wide lemon peel.
For more information, visit Croft.
