Pink Port

Did you know...

That Marks and Spencer, the bastion of British retailing, has launched a new drink called Pink Port?

Marks & Spencer is launching its Pink Port in the wake of soaring demand for rosé wine.

The tipple, which goes on sale today, is created by taking only a small amount of colour from the skins of grapes which grow in Portugal's Douro Valley.

Sue Daniels, the chain's port specialist, 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."

However, Guy Woodward, the editor of the wine magazine Decanter, was unimpressed, describing the flavour as more like vodka and cranberry juice than a typical port.

"I suspect they're trying to jump on the rosé bandwagon, but it tastes worryingly close to the alcopop market," he said.