CROFT
Delving into the Rich Tradition of Croft Port Wine
Founded in 1588, Croft is one of the oldest and most distinguished names in the world of Port wine. It carries a rich legacy steeped in more than four centuries of expertise, tradition, and innovation. Owned by The Fladgate Partnership, a family group also overseeing other renowned Port houses like Taylor's and Fonseca, Croft continues to be a benchmark of quality within the Port wine industry.
Characteristics of Croft Port
Croft Ports are widely appreciated for their distinctive aromatic richness and deliciously mellow flavors. Known for their deep, jammy fruit flavors and an alluring nose of ripe plums, cherries, and dark chocolate, they embody an appealing exuberance and robust character that can be found across their range of offerings, which include Vintage, Tawny, Ruby, and LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) Ports.
Much like Fonseca Port, another prestigious brand under The Fladgate Partnership, Croft Ports exhibit a perfect balance of structure, fruit, and elegance. However, Croft often stands out for its distinctive house style which is characterized by a softer, more rounded profile and an attractive, fruit-forward nature.
Technical Details
Producing a Port of exceptional quality requires both superior grapes and mastery of the winemaking process. Croft Ports are produced primarily from grapes grown on their own estates, Quinta da Roêda, one of the finest vineyards in the Douro Valley.
The key grape varieties used include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca. These indigenous varieties are known for their ability to produce deeply colored wines with high sugar levels and robust tannins, which are fundamental to the structure and longevity of Port wine.
Gastronomic Suggestions
Croft Port wines are versatile in their gastronomic pairings. Vintage and LBV Ports, with their intense, fruit-forward profiles, pair wonderfully with blue cheese, dark chocolate desserts, and even flavorful meat dishes. Tawny Ports, with their complex character developed through extended aging, complement creamy desserts and can even accompany savory dishes with a hint of sweetness. Ruby Ports, fresh and vibrant, can be an excellent partner to berry-based desserts and mature hard cheeses.
Vineyard Practices
The vineyard practices at Croft reflect a commitment to tradition, quality, and sustainability. At Quinta da Roêda, traditional terraces are still in use, and much of the work, including harvesting, is done by hand. The commitment to traditional viticulture ensures the preservation of the region's unique terroir while delivering high-quality fruit for winemaking.
Notable Vintage Years and Producers
Croft has a long history of producing exceptional Vintage Ports, particularly in years when the climatic conditions in the Douro Valley are ideal for grape cultivation. The 1945, 1963, and 2003 vintages, among others, are notable for their outstanding quality and ageing potential.
As a member of The Fladgate Partnership, Croft shares its commitment to excellence with other notable Port houses such as Taylor's, Fonseca, and Romariz. Each of these producers, while having their own distinct style, contributes significantly to the global reputation of Port wine.
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David Guimaraens
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1994 / 2000 / 2003 / 2007 / 2009 / 2011 / 2016 / 2017
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Produced only in exceptional years, Croft Vintage Ports are robust and full-bodied, with rich, concentrated flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberries and plums. Over time, they can develop complex secondary flavors of cocoa, leather, and spice. These wines have a strong tannin structure which makes them excellent for long-term aging.
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There are no Colheita’s bottled so far.
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Quinta Da Roêda
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