Campolongo di Torbe Amarone 1997

Born from the ancient appassimento method: Corvina (70%), Rondinella (25%) and Molinara (5%) are naturally dried in traditional lofts during the cold winter months, followed by extended fermentation and ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels. From the Grandi Annate Collection exceptional bottles kept in Masi’s Cantina Privata Boscaini, now at full maturity.

The Campolongo vineyard stretches for around 10 hectares along a terraced ridge facing southwest at 375–400 metres above sea level, on deep, well-drained red ferrous limestone soils of volcanic origin, with favourable chemical and mineral components. Torbe is a tiny village at the top of the valley of Negrar. Campolongo is the most immediately expressive of the cru wines on the nose, with a distinctive raisined grape character and often botrytis notes of truffle.

Opaque ruby red with evolved brick-tile nuances. The nose is immediately expressive, intense and complex: baked fruit, truffle, cinnamon, sweet almond, prunes and deep balsamic notes. The palate is opulent, silky and broad, with melted tannins and preserved acidity ensuring freshness and tension. The 1997 is described as a five-star vintage, luminous, now at full maturity. The finish is endless, noble and of rare complexity.

Serve at 18–20 °C after decanting for a minimum of 2 hours. A prestige match for braised meats, noble game, truffles and bold aged cheeses. A collector’s bottle to savour over the next 5 years to experience it at the very peak of its expression.