THE FAMILY

The Donaldson Family have been seriously involved in viticulture and winemaking for over 40 years. Founder Ivan Donaldson planted the first Canterbury vineyard in 1976 and went on to establish Pegasus Bay in 1986 with his wife Christine. All four of their sons are currently involved in managing various aspects of the business.

THE VINEYARD AND VINES

The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining terraces carved out of New Zealand’s Southern Alps by an ice-age glacier. It benefits from being in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, giving maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes and thus creating a unique microclimate. The vines are over 30 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots. The soil is free draining and of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour. This produces low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique terroir. The vineyard has warm days, but the nights are amongst the coolest in the Waipara Valley, drawing out the ripening period of the grapes, while still retaining good natural acidity.

THE HARVEST AND WINEMAKING

Fortissimo is a rare wine, with this being just the second time it has been produced, and only in a very small volume. It was made using Muscat grapes, in a similar style to the famous fortified Beaumes de Vinise of France. Fruit is left to hang on the vines until the very end of the season, allowing maximum concentration. Fermentation was undertaken in stainless steel tanks and then stopped using the addition of a neutral spirit, to ensure the pure Muscat flavours have not been compromised.

THE WINE

It is bright lemon in colour with a heady array of tropical and stone fruit aromas. Apricot, pineapple, lychee and ginger are all present, interwoven with hints of orange blossom, vanilla, lemon curd and expresso. The very ripe late harvest fruit gives the wine an opulent and rich mouthfeel, however the added spirit ensures the sweetness remains perfectly balanced with a prolonged finish.

Download Tasting Notes


NV

93/100
“Late-harvest muscat grapes. Fermentation stopped by the addition of pure alcohol. The result is sweet dessert wine that is pure and powerful. Quite sweet but not at all cloying. A pleasure to taste.
- Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, NZ

“This is instantly appealing on the nose showing dried apricot, rockmelon, pineapple and candied orange characters, followed by a wonderfully flavoursome palate offering delightful sweetness and juicy fruit intensity. Weighty and textural with a lingering refreshing finish.”
- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, NZ

18.5+/20
“Full, bright, ...The nose is alluring, softly filling the glass with aromas of lychee, stonefruit entwined with ginger and jasmine… The fruit is perfectly ripe and clean in flavour, shows purity and elegance. Jasmine and ginger added interest and layers, complementing the smooth flow and sweetness balance, linger to a rich, lengthy closing. This poised and pure expression of fortified Muscat possesses lychee, white nectarine aromas, delicate jasmine floral and ginger on a smooth, plush mouthfeel.” 
- Candice Chow, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ

94/100
“Aromatic bouquet with scents reminding me of preserved white fleshed fruits, poached pears and apples, white flowers and fragrant spices of the orient. Silky texture touches the palate first then a rush of warming alcohol contrasted by a core of fruit flavours, acidity and luscious exuberant finish.
- Cameron Douglas MS, www.camdouglasms.com, NZ

“Similar in style to Muscat Beaumes de Venise, this distinctive, rare wine was handled in tanks and stop-fermented with the addition of neutral spirit.  Pale gold, it is weighty, with vibrant, concentrated, peachy flavours, hints of oranges and honey, gentle acidity and a sweet, oily richness.”
- Michael Cooper, Winestate Magazine, AUS

2016

94/100

Very exotic and varietal bouquet of Muscat with flowers and fruits, perfumes and talc’. Very fruity and sweet on the palate with contrasting acidity … Long finish

- Cameron Douglas MS, www.camdouglasms.com, NZ
94/100
“Fortified muscat that's styled after Muscat de Beaumes de Venise from France's Rhône Valley … appealing wine with surprising purity and freshness
- Bob Campbell MW, www.bobcampbell.nz, NZ
18.5/20
“… Very fine phenolics and soft, refined acidityrevealing mineral and smoke detail on the finish … “
- Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
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Pegasus Bay

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Off Licence.
Licence Holder:Donaldson Family Limited T/A:Pegasus Bay Winery.
Licence no:57/OFF/458/2022 Exp:16/3/2025