What kind of wine is Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG “Costasera” 2019 - Masi

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG “Costasera” 2019 - Masi is a red wine of great prestige, a symbol of Veronese tradition and the winemaking mastery of the Masi winery. It originates from the best west-facing vineyards, towards the sunset, in the classic Valpolicella area, where the mild climate of Lake Garda promotes ideal grape ripening.

Its personality comes from the union of native varieties: Corvina (for structure and softness), Rondinella (for aromatic elegance), Oseleta (for intensity and tannic richness), and Molinara (for freshness and finesse). The result is a wine with an imposing, yet harmonious and balanced body, capable of evolving over time with extraordinary grace.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with a cool spring and a dry but not excessively hot summer. This allowed the grapes to reach homogeneous ripeness, ensuring perfect appassimento (drying) and an intense and deep aromatic profile. The wine reflects the elegance and concentration typical of the best vintages of Valpolicella Classica.

Winemaking and Aging

After the harvest, the selected grapes are left to dry until February, concentrating aromas and sugars. Pressing takes place in winter, followed by a long fermentation of about 45 days, a key process to develop structure and complexity. Subsequently, the wine ages for 40 months in 600-liter Slavonian oak barrels, during which it achieves its full harmony. The result is an Amarone of refined power, ready to be enjoyed but also suitable for prolonged aging.

Tasting Notes

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG “Costasera” 2019 - Masi stands out for its sensory depth and impeccable structure. Here are its main tasting characteristics:

Color

Intense garnet red with dark ruby reflections, indicating great concentration and significant evolutionary potential.

Nose

The nose opens with complex notes of black cherry, ripe plum, and spirits-soaked red fruits, followed by spicy notes of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet tobacco. Over time, elegant balsamic nuances and light toasting emerge.

Palate

On the palate, it is warm and velvety, with a powerful yet perfectly balanced structure. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, with a long and enveloping finish. An impeccable balance between softness, freshness, and aromatic intensity is perceived.

Food Pairings for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG “Costasera” 2019 - Masi

This is a meditation wine, perfect for pairing with important and flavorful dishes. Ideal pairings include:

• Braised or grilled red meats
• Game and savory roasts
• Aged cheeses, such as Grana Padano or Monte Veronese
• Spicy international cuisine dishes

It is also excellent served on its own, as a conversation or after-dinner wine, perhaps paired with dark chocolate or blue cheeses.

Storage and Aging: How to store Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG “Costasera” 2019 - Masi wine

Thanks to its structure and concentration, the Amarone Costasera Riserva has a remarkable aging potential, even beyond 20 years. To maintain its quality, it is advisable to store it in a dark, cool cellar with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, with humidity around 70% and the bottle laid horizontally to keep the cork moist.

Serving it at a temperature of about 18°C and decanting it at least an hour before serving allows its full aromatic depth and gustatory complexity to be enhanced, providing a complete and memorable sensory experience.