Comments on: Croft gets Sassy and Shows its Softer, Pinker Side

By: RichardA

RichardA — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:19:46 +0000

I commend Croft for their innovation. This could potentially be a gateway to get people to try other Ports as well. I would agree with Vitor that there is little info about Port out there for the average consumer. So why not provide something a bit less threatening for them to dip their toes into. Provided it tastes good, and Croft may need some time before perfecting this Port.

From their website, this wine does not seem marketed specifically toward women, though I do see how some could try to do so. I have not tasted it, nor seen it yet in any local wine stores. I would at least try it if I saw it.

By: Vitor Mendes

Vitor Mendes — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:59:27 +0000

Great Article Gabriella.

As Portuguese retailer, my opinion is that innovation is good, but only if we know the product very well, and if this product is one that everyone know and enjoys. The reality is that here in Portugal, only a few people know the difference between a ruby port and an aged one, or even a vintage. Well, you can say that innovating is the way to bring people to know port wines better, and that could become true, but in my opinion I think that the port wine producers must give more information to the consumers. Port is an excellent product, original and unique, and yet so unknown even in its own country… As consumer of port wines, only now at 43 am I finding the real excellence of this product, because of the deficit of information given to consumers. But honestly i am not very interested in tasting this pink port for now. I am more curious in trying to get my hands on some pearls that are waiting for me to taste them… maybe a Vargellas 2004…
Keep the good work Gabriella

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:36:26 +0000

Unfortunately I have not tried it, and I suspect many others out there who have heard of this, like me, have not yet felt inclined to do so, so maybe we can comment on why not too?

I’ll be honest and say I never felt I was the target. I’m not sure I’d say it was for “women” (such plans are doomed anyway), but I’m guessing that the marketing plan’s consumer segmentation would have been “anyone who does not already drink port”.

My big problem with this would be that I decided long ago that there are only so many alcohol units I can, or should, consume. I love wine, and so why waste those units on spirits, beers and high alcohol beverages when I don’t need to? There will always be an occasion where these are appropriate (like an occasional G&T, refreshing pint or rich after dinner port), but what is the occasion for pink port? It is too alcoholic (even if it was integrated) for a refreshing summer drink - it’ll put me to sleep in no time. In any case, there are plenty of non fortified wines that meet that need better. Is it supposed to replace other ports as an after-dinner drink? I don’t think so.

This is a neat idea looking for customers, not a solution to an existing demand.

I’d be happy to be proven wrong