375 ml

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.