Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera 2020

Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera 2020 is a proud, majestic red that captures everything Amarone lovers look for: depth, richness, and a vibrant, layered personality. Widely regarded as a benchmark in the Amarone category, it stands shoulder to shoulder with Italy’s greats like Barolo and Brunello, representing the country’s vinous aristocracy. Crafted from dried Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes, this wine showcases Masi’s unrivalled mastery of the traditional appassimento technique, delivering a concentrated, opulent expression of Veneto.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Costasera 2020 typically shows a deep, intense ruby hue with garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at both power and refinement. The nose is generous and complex: ripe dark cherries, black plums and dried figs intertwine with notes of candied orange peel, cocoa, coffee, sweet spice and a touch of balsamic and tobacco—classic Amarone aromatics lifted by a subtle floral edge. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, velvety and richly textured, with a core of sweet, ripe dark fruit balanced by firm but polished tannins and a lively, food-friendly acidity. Flavours of black cherry, dried fruit, chocolate, licorice and warm spice unfold in layers, leading to a long, persistent finish with a pleasant, slightly bitter Amarone twist. While already seductive in its youth, the 2020 vintage has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for 10–15 years or longer under proper cellaring, gaining even more complexity and tertiary nuances over time.

Production
The grapes for Costasera come from prime hillside vineyards in the Valpolicella Classica zone of Veneto, where south- and southwest-facing slopes benefit from ideal sun exposure and cooling breezes off Lake Garda. These conditions, combined with stony, well-draining soils, deliver concentrated, aromatic fruit. After hand-harvesting, bunches of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara are carefully laid out on traditional bamboo racks to dry over the winter months, a process that naturally concentrates sugars, flavours and extract. Once the desired level of appassimento is achieved, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented at controlled temperatures, followed by extended maturation in a combination of large Slavonian oak and smaller barrels to integrate tannins, stabilize the wine and develop complexity while preserving its vibrant fruit character.

Food & Serving
Masi Amarone Costasera 2020 is a superb partner for rich, flavourful dishes: slow-braised beef or lamb, venison, game stews, mature hard cheeses (like Parmigiano Reggiano or aged Grana Padano) and truffle-inflected risotto all make excellent companions. It also shines alongside refined dishes with dark sauces and roasted root vegetables, and can be enjoyed on its own as a contemplative after-dinner wine. Serve at 18–20°C; decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to allow the aromas to fully open and the tannins to soften, revealing the wine’s full depth and elegance.

Producer
Masi Agricola is one of the most respected names in Veneto and a true reference point for Amarone worldwide. With roots in the region dating back to the 18th century, Masi has been instrumental in preserving and refining traditional techniques, especially the appassimento method of drying grapes on racks. The estate’s research-driven approach, combined with a deep respect for local varieties and terroir, has helped elevate Amarone from a regional specialty to an internationally acclaimed fine wine. Costasera is among Masi’s flagship bottlings and has contributed significantly to the producer’s reputation for consistent quality, innovation and authenticity in the Valpolicella Classica area.