Wine Scanner AI
Red wine | Veneto, Italy
See all comments, ratings, and join the community discussion in the Wine Scanner AI app!
Masi Costasera Amarone Classico is widely considered one of the definitive benchmarks for the Amarone category. Produced by the Boscaini family, who have been guardians of this craft since 1772, this wine is a testament to the traditional 'appassimento' technique. The process begins with the careful selection of native Veronese grapes—Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara—sourced from the prestigious 'coste' (slopes) of the Valpolicella Classica region. These grapes are dried for several months on bamboo racks before fermentation, a labor-intensive method that concentrates the sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth, power, and complexity.
The 2021 vintage continues this legacy of excellence. On the nose, it offers an inviting, intense bouquet of baked fruit, specifically dark cherries and plums, elegantly layered with nuances of sweet spice, tobacco, and high-quality dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is truly a 'gentle giant': it possesses a full, robust body and a velvety texture that feels luxurious, yet remains impeccably balanced by its natural acidity. The mid-palate reveals layers of coffee and cocoa, leading to a long, persistent finish that lingers with savory complexity and a touch of warmth.
This Amarone is an ideal companion for the dinner table, particularly when paired with rich, hearty dishes. It is a classic match for roasted meats, slow-cooked stews, braised game, or even quail. For those who enjoy fine dining, it pairs beautifully with risotto al tartufo (truffle risotto). It also shines when served alongside well-aged, sharp cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, or Gorgonzola. Beyond pairing, it is frequently described as a 'meditation wine'—one to be enjoyed slowly on its own, allowing the layers of flavor to unfold in the glass over the course of an evening. With significant aging potential, this 2021 bottle is ready to be enjoyed now but will undoubtedly gain even more nuance and graceful complexity with further cellaring, making it a stellar addition to any serious collection.