Region and Vineyards
Valpolicella Classica occupies the western hills north of Verona, a mosaic of valleys opening toward Lake Garda. The lake's moderating influence and the region's limestone-rich marls promote slow, even ripening for Corvina and companions, preserving acidity despite the area's generous sunshine. In Costasera's case, west-facing exposures lengthen afternoon warmth and light, deepening fruit while retaining freshness. The result is a wine that marries ripe cherry richness with aromatic lift and savory undercurrents characteristic of the best Classico sites.
The Costasera name itself nods to the "coast at evening": sunset slopes overlooking the lake. Here, breezes help keep the appassimento fruit healthy on drying racks, while soils of limestone and clay with stony components contribute structure and a distinctly spicy finish. This interplay of site, lake and elevation is central to Costasera's generous yet balanced house style.
Winemaking
Costasera is crafted from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara (approximately 70/25/5). After harvest, the grapes undergo traditional appassimento—natural drying on racks through winter—to concentrate sugars, acids and phenolics. Fermentation follows at controlled temperatures, producing a dry, powerful Amarone that remains classically savory rather than sweet.
Élevage combines large Slavonian oak botti with a proportion of smaller Allier/Slavonian barrels to refine tannins and build complexity. The 2020 typically matures about 24 months in wood, then rests in bottle before release; finished alcohol is around 15% vol. This regimen emphasizes fruit purity, cocoa-coffee inflections and a supple, integrated palate.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Very dark ruby, bright at the rim.
- Aroma: Baked plum and cherry, dried fig, cinnamon and clove, with undertones of espresso, cocoa powder, balsamic herbs and a suggestion of cedar.
- Palate: Full-bodied yet dry and balanced; generous black-cherry and plum compote framed by velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee carry through a long, savory, gently warming finish.
Did you know?
"Costasera" highlights Masi's belief that sunset-facing slopes in Valpolicella Classica give the finest Amarone: longer afternoon light and Lake Garda's reflected brightness foster ripeness, while hillside breezes keep drying grapes healthy during appassimento.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Dry-aged ribeye with rosemary and sea salt - Protein and char tame richness; rosemary and rendered fat echo Amarone's balsamic-spice register.
- Venison or wild-boar ragù with pappardelle - Gamey depth and slow-cooked gelatin resonate with concentrated fruit and firm structure.
- Gorgonzola piccante and aged Parmigiano Reggiano - Salt crystals and blue-cheese umami accentuate cocoa, coffee and dried-fruit tones.
- Porcini and truffle risotto - Fungal umami and creaminess mirror Amarone's savory core and plush texture.
