Have you tried Sangiovese from the Okanagan yet?
At LaStella, some of the Sangiovese that they produce goes into a blend called Fortissimo, which is a beautiful nod to Super Tuscan wines. Fortissimo is composed of 60% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 9% Sangiovese. This wine was aged for 15 months in a combination of puncheons and neutral oak barrels, as well as new and third-fill oak barrels.
2017 LaStella Fortissimo $30.99
After two hours in the decanter there are aromas of violet, blackberry, black cherry, dried blackcurrant, vanilla and black liquorice. This wine is medium+ in body with high acidity and tannins. The palate is juicy, oscillating at first between sweet red cherries and sour cherries, before giving-way to blackberries, bramble and liquorice, with dried herbs on the savoury, lingering finish.
Although I really enjoyed this wine on its own, it will benefit from further cellaring and would pair nicely with a well-marbled steak or lamb, if cellaring is not for you.
LaStella is now open for tastings by appointment.
Fortissimo is available for $30.99 direct from LaStella. If you’re not visiting the Okanagan anytime soon you can also find Fortissimo at the BC Liquor Store for $34.99 and at Marquis Wine Cellars for $38.48.
Agreed! I love this wine and if you are popping it open now, it has ribeye written all over it!
I especially enjoyed the 2017, would love to tuck some away for a few years 🙂