Appassionata : "Fortissimo" Pinot Noir 2015

Characteristics and tasting tips for the "Fortissimo" Pinot Noir 2015 by Appassionata

Tasting

Nose
The bouquet is particularly vibrant and expressive. Thanks to its long ageing, it reveals great complexity, marked by captivating tertiary aromas with subtle earthy notes.

Palate
From the very first sip, this wine impresses with its great concentration and rich texture. A juicy acidity brings plenty of freshness and keeps everything in perfect balance, leading to a harmonious and remarkably well-integrated finish.

Food and wine pairing
This mature, complex cuvée will elevate delicate yet flavourful meats such as beef fillet, roast duck or game birds. It will also pair beautifully with dishes featuring wild mushrooms or truffles, roasted root vegetables, and soft bloomy-rind cheeses.

Serving and cellaring
The "Fortissimo" Pinot Noir 2015 is a cuvée crafted to last for decades. Released after at least ten years of rest in the cellar, it already shows superb maturity but has the structure to continue evolving gracefully for many years to come.

A great American Pinot Noir from Appassionata showcasing the elegance of the Willamette Valley

The estate
Founded in 2005 by the renowned German winemaker Ernst Loosen, the Appassionata estate is located in the Chehalem Mountains, in the heart of Oregon. This 40-acre property was born of a desire to create European-style wines built for very long ageing. Today, Ernst Loosen, who still owns the estate, works alongside cellar master Timothy Malone to produce exceptional cuvées. The Appassionata label stands out for its unique philosophy: extended ageing and very late release, so that its wines reach the market at perfect maturity.

The vineyard
The grapes come from the estate's vineyard, located in the Chehalem Mountains appellation, within the famous Willamette Valley. The vines thrive on volcanic clay soils. The estate uses sustainable viticulture practices and strictly limits yields to ensure optimal fruit quality.

The vintage
The 2015 growing season got off to an early start. The weather remained warm for most of the year, which encouraged excellent berry development. At the end of summer, cooler temperatures set in, helping to preserve the grapes' natural freshness and balance.

Vinification and ageing
To produce the "Fortissimo" Pinot Noir 2015, the bunches are fully destemmed. Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts, followed by a spontaneous malolactic fermentation. This American wine is then aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new. It is bottled without any fining or filtration, then rests for at least ten years in the cellar before being released.

Grape variety
Pinot Noir (100%)