Masi 2020 Amarone Classico Costasera

A benchmark expression of modern Amarone, the 2020 Costasera is powerful yet polished, delivering rich depth without excess weight. Velvety, complex, and impeccably balanced, it showcases Masi’s mastery of appassimento with remarkable freshness, making it both immediately impressive and built for graceful aging.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Produced in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone by Masi Agricola, Costasera is Masi’s flagship Amarone and one of the most internationally respected examples of the style. The vineyards lie on west-facing slopes—coste—that benefit from long afternoon sun and cooling breezes, ideal for developing ripeness while retaining acidity.

The blend is rooted in Corvina and Corvinone, supported by Rondinella, all harvested by hand and subjected to Masi’s refined appassimento process. The grapes are carefully dried on bamboo racks for several months, concentrating sugars, flavors, and structure while preserving aromatic purity. Fermentation proceeds slowly, followed by extended aging in a combination of large oak casks and smaller barrels to build depth, integrate tannins, and add subtle spice without masking fruit intensity. The 2020 vintage reflects precision and control, emphasizing elegance alongside Amarone’s signature power.

Critics Reviews
Wine Spectatorawards the 2020 Costasera 94 points, praising its “dense yet polished structure,” with layers of dried cherry, fig, and spice carried by fresh acidity.
Wine Enthusiast scores it 93 points, noting its “rich fruit concentration balanced by poise and vibrancy,” and highlighting its refined tannins and long finish.
James Suckling rates the wine 95 points, emphasizing its “beautiful balance between richness and freshness,” with “dark fruit, chocolate, and savory undertones delivered with clarity and finesse.”

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Intense and expressive, with aromas of dried cherry, black plum, fig, and raisin, layered with cocoa powder, sweet spice, and hints of tobacco.

Palate:
Full-bodied and velvety, revealing concentrated dark fruit, baking chocolate, espresso, and warm spice. The texture is plush yet structured, with balanced acidity lifting the richness.

Finish:
Long, smooth, and persistent, leaving lingering notes of dried fruit, cocoa, and gentle spice that signal both immediate pleasure and aging potential.

Quick Overview