2018 Fortissimo
Winemaker's Notes
Fortissimo is our way of paying respect to the pioneers of Tuscany who challenged the traditions of winemaking in the 50s and 60s to gain recognition for their wines.
2018 Fortissimo is comprised of 57% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 8% Sangivoese. Albeit young, this wine is as outstanding as we thought it would be; all the components are married seamlessly together. The large format puncheons and Hungarian/Slavonian oak are evident in the subtle way the oak is present. Overall the wine has fantastic layers of fruit and savoury flavours. Bing cherry mingles with red and black cherry fruit. Grilled aromatic herbs meet cured tobacco leaves. The Palate is layered and while is still young and morphed into itself, it still offers plenty of pleasure in youth. One built for early drinking or cellaring with a medium+ aging curve ahead.
Pairings
Di Carne
Braised Veal Shank, Osso Bucco or Tuscan Roast Lamb with a Rosemary Crust.
Vegetariano / Vegano
Hearty Braised Vegetable Stew or Sweet potato & Mushroom Cannelloni.
Technical Details
| Region: | South Okanagan |
|---|---|
| Soil Type: | Varied. |
| Age of Vines: | various. most in mid-teens |
| Production: | 1977 cases of 750ml, 90 magnums, 24 double magnums |
| Alcohol: | 14.4% |
| Aging: | 16 months in French and Slavonian Oak Barrels, Puncheon and Foudre. 9% new Oak |
Accolades
90 POINTS
Fortissimo is Super-Tuscan inspired, with 57% merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 8% Sangiovese with fruit coming off of Osoyoos West and East Bench, the Golden Mile Bench, and Black Sage Bench. Fortissimo saw time in 225L, 500L, and large Radoux oval wood tanks, and a mix of French, Hungarian, and Slavonian oak (9% new). Savoury and grippy, with tobacco, black cherry, graphite filling the structural frame. Tannins are ample, slightly sticky, but predominantly firm, ensuring this has time ahead in the cellar.
