Costasera Amarone 2006

Amarone is the product of the wine-making method called "appassimento" (grape drying). At harvest, the best clusters of grapes from hillside vineyards are picked and laid out on bamboo racks in special lofts. At the end of January the grapes weigh 35% less and have concentrated sugars. Ageing 24 months with 80% aged in Slavonian oak barrels of 40-80 hl and 20% in small oak barrels (40% new, 30% second usage, 30% third usage).

From Masi’s hillside vineyards on west and south-west facing slopes in the historic Valpolicella Classico communes of Marano, Negrar, S.Ambrogio and San Pietro in Cariano. The soil is crumbly red calcareous (limestone) with cretaceous period marl. 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara. 2006 was blessed with particularly dry weather and cool nights. Alcohol 14.75 % by vol., rs 10 g/l, dry extract 41.4 g/l, total acidity 6.25 g/l, pH 3.41.

Deep, dark ruby red with thin violet tinges on the edges. Strong bouquet of baked fruit, plums and cherries, which provide the fruit flavours on the palate and are accompanied with attractive hints of coffee and cocoa. Excellent balance between supporting acidity and soft tannins that melt into an intriguing softness. Imposing structure and good alcoholic level gives this Amarone an attractively long finish

Amarone is a fullbodied wine for grilled or roasted red meats, game, and strong tasty cheeses, such as parmesan. Generally considered a wine for meditation, it is a great after-dinner wine. Recommended drinking temperature 20°C (68° F).