The story behind Croft
Croft was founded in 1588 by Henry Thompson of York, England, which makes it the oldest active Port house still trading. The Croft family joined the partnership in 1736, and the firm has been part of The Fladgate Partnership alongside Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca since the modern era. In 1889 Croft acquired Quinta da Roeda in the Douro Valley, and that estate still sets the house style.
Grapes are the classic Douro reds, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, fortified with neutral grape spirit at 77% ABV to stop fermentation and hold the sweetness. Croft built its reputation on a plump, vigorous, fruit-forward profile, and in 2008 it launched Croft Pink, the first Rosé Port ever made.
Explore the Croft range
Five Croft expressions we keep on the shelf, from the chilled pink to a declared Vintage. Wood-aged styles need no decanting.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croft Pink Porto | Rosé Port | 39 | Cold-fermented, bright red berry, serve well chilled |
| Croft Reserve Ruby Porto | Ruby Port | 40 | Plump and vigorous, dark fruit, no decanting needed |
| Croft Reserve Tawny Porto | Tawny Port | 40 | Oak-aged up to 7 years, nut and caramel |
| Croft Vintage Porto | Vintage Port | 40 | Declared years only, decant, decades of bottle life |
| Croft Vintage Port 2007 | Vintage Port | 40 | Single declared year, sediment, decant before serving |
Which Croft is right for you?
Croft is not a splurge brand, and that is part of why we have poured it for decades. The Reserve Ruby and Reserve Tawny both sit at $20.99, which puts real Douro wine on the table for the price of a decent bottle of California red. Croft Pink is $19.99 when we have it. Step up to the Vintage Porto at $83.99, or the 2007 Vintage Port at $44.99, and you are buying something to lay down rather than open tonight. Buy Croft online and we will have it ready.
Chilled, nutty, no decanting, and it keeps for months after opening.
Built over ice with tonic and mint, the easiest crowd pour on the shelf.
A declared year worth cellaring, opened for the occasions that earn it.