Masi Costasera Amarone - A Smooth, Savory and Sophisticated Splurge

A wine with a fantastic finish, the Masi Costasera Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico.

A traditional blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara grapes dried for 3-4 months from Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy. The wine is aged in oak for 24 months; 80% in Slavonian oak botti and 20% in small Allier (French) and Slavonian oak barrels, and at least another 4 months in bottle.

Sample submitted for review. The Masi Costasera Amarone has an SRP of $70 (Saturday Splurge) and is available for as low as $40. Imported by Kobrand Corporation.

From the bottle:

Appaxximento countersigns Masi's expertise in the XXI century in the technique of obtaining greater concentration of aromas and tastes from grapes through the drying process.

The vineyards slopes facing the sunset in the Classica area benefit from the reflections of the light from Lake Garda and its temperate climate. Using ancient grapes varieties and traditional methods, this is where Amarone, a unique modern wine with an ancient heart, has its origins.

15.0% Alcohol

Today's wine comes from the same producer as our Bulk Buy rated Masi Campofiorin. (We liked their wines so much we even stopped in to visit last fall - more on that to come.)

And as we explained in that review, you have to pay the price if you want to experience the best examples of certain wines and Amarone is one of them. And while occasionally you might sneak one in under $20 it's definitely not the norm -- but at least with Amarone it's easy to understand why it costs so much given the expensive production process using dried grapes.

The 2013 Masi Agricola Costasera Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico begins with a complex and enticing aroma of blackberry, plum, raisins, prunes, spice, dried herbs and a little red licorice. The wine tastes very smooth with a wonderful velvety texture and a full mouthfeel and is simply a pleasure to drink. In the mouth you find similar flavors to the nose with a nice balsamic edge. The wine finishes dry with more savory dried berry fruit flavors plus a nice streak of oaky spice and hints of coffee and chocolate. For me the finish is where Saturday Splurge wines really need to shine to justify the cost and this one absolutely does.

Ready to buy? Check your local retailers.