Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Year of The Horse 2020

The appassimento technique involves drying grapes for several months, concentrating their sugars and flavours to create Amarone's signature intensity. This ancient Venetian method transforms ordinary grapes into complex, full-bodied wines with remarkable depth. Masi has been perfecting this craft since 1772, making them true masters of this labour-intensive process that can take up to 120 days.

The 'Year of The Horse' designation likely references the Chinese zodiac, with 2020 being significant for this special bottling. This vintage captures the unique growing conditions of 2020 in Valpolicella Classico, where the pandemic year actually provided ideal weather patterns for grape development. The horse symbolism may reflect the wine's powerful, galloping character and the strength needed during that challenging year.

The black cherry notes come from the concentrated Corvina and Rondinella grapes after appassimento drying, while chocolate flavours emerge from extended skin contact and malolactic fermentation. Vanilla characteristics develop through careful oak ageing, typically in large Slavonian oak casks that Masi favours for their Amarone. These flavours integrate beautifully over time, creating the wine's signature rich, velvety profile.

This powerful Amarone excels with rich, hearty dishes that can match its intensity - think braised beef, aged cheeses like Gorgonzola or Parmigiano-Reggiano, and game meats. The wine's natural acidity cuts through fatty dishes, while its fruit concentration complements dark chocolate desserts. Traditional Venetian pairings include risotto all'Amarone or osso buco, where the wine's complexity enhances these regional specialties.

This 2020 Amarone is already drinking beautifully but has excellent ageing potential for 15-20 years or more. Amarone wines typically hit their stride after 5-7 years, when the tannins soften and the complex flavours fully integrate. Store it in a cool, dark place and consider decanting for an hour before serving to allow the wine's full aromatics to emerge and showcase Masi's masterful craftsmanship.