FORTISSIMO
CASA SANTOS LIMA • LISBON
"Power and exuberance in every sip: a red wine of great structure and fruity richness that lives up to its name, offering an intense, warm, and deeply satisfying experience."
Intensity Made Into Wine
True to its musical name, Fortissimo is an explosion of flavor designed for those looking to buy red wine with character, strength, and great presence at the table. Produced in the prestigious Lisbon wine region, this Portuguese red stands out for the masterful use of the Alicante Bouschet grape, which gives it an impenetrable color and a robust body. The blend is perfected with ripe fruit and balanced aging in French and American oak barrels, achieving a powerful yet highly sophisticated harmony for lovers of high-intensity wine.
1. Identity Profile
- Winery: Casa Santos Lima.
- Origin: Lisbon, Portugal.
- Grapes / Blend: Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Alicante Bouschet.
- SKU: CSL-FORT-750
- Alcohol: 14.5% ABV.
- Aging: French and American Oak.
- Volume: 750 ml.
2. Sommelier Notes
Visual: Deep ruby red, almost opaque, with violet flashes and dense legs that anticipate its great body.
Nose: A burst of ripe black fruits like blackberries and prunes. It is complemented by notes of dried figs, touches of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and toasted wood.
Palate: Broad, enveloping, and warm entry. It has great volume and dense texture, with ripe tannins that lead to a persistent, luscious, and deeply satisfying finish.
3. Sensory Architecture
ROBUST BODY [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
AROMATIC INTENSITY [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
RIPE TANNINS [ ● ● ● ● ○ ]
WINE PROFILE [ EXUBERANT / WARM ]
4. The Art of Serving
Suggested Pairing: Ideal to pair with highly structured dishes such as marbled rib-eye, roasted lamb, ossobuco, or pepper-crusted meats. Its density makes it an extraordinary companion for complex-flavored Mexican gastronomy such as Mole Poblano and intense stews.
Service: Recommended serving temperature is between 16°C and 18°C. Decant at least 20 minutes before serving to allow its fruit and aromatic power to fully open up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the wine called Fortissimo?
The term comes from musical notation and indicates a performance with maximum strength. This name faithfully reflects the vigorous, intense, and full-bodied character that defines this blend of Portuguese and international grapes.
What is the ideal pairing for Fortissimo?
It is ideal for structured dishes like Rib-eye, Ossobuco, complex Mole Poblano, or aged cheeses like mature Cheddar.
What does the Alicante Bouschet grape bring to this wine?
It is one of the few "teinturier" grapes (with colored pulp), which gives Fortissimo its dark, almost impenetrable red color and a robust tannic structure that allows it to age elegantly and support intense pairings.