Country: Italy Region: Veneto
Varietal: Corvina / Molinara / Rondinella Blend
Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Masi
Description:
Amarone is a unique wine due to its origin, ancient grape varieties and production method (vinification of grapes that have been semi-dried for 3-4 months on bamboo racks). Masi's Costasera Amarone expresses a particular majesty and complexity and is one of the best loved examples around. Ideal with red meats, game and mature cheeses. An excellent wine for the end of the meal and for ageing.
Ageing Potential: 10 Years
Tasting Note:
Proud, majestic, complex and exuberant: this is Masi's gentle giant. A benchmark for the Amarone category, which, together with Barolo and Brunello, makes up the aristocracy of the Italian wine world.The product of Masi's unrivalled expertise in the appassimento technique, whereby traditional grapes for the Valpolicella Classica area - Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara - are laid out on bamboo racks to concentrate their aromas during the winter months.
Food Matches:Red Meat / Cream Cheese / Soft Cheese
Country: Spain Region: Rioja Varietal: Tempranillo/GarnachaColour: Red Style: DryProducer: Marques De RiscalDescription:
Marqués de Riscal Reserva wines are basically made from grapes from Tempranillo vines planted before 1970's, grown in the best clay-limestone soils of the Rioja Alavesa. This variety withstands oak- and bottle ageing well thanks to its good balance of acidity and fine tannin. The Graciano and Mazuelo varieties, whose presence in the blend does not exceed 10%, provide crispness and a lively colour.
Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 26ºC and the maceration time is never more than 12 days. Riscal Reservas spend around two years in American Oak barrels, producing a wine which corresponds to the classic Rioja style: fresh, fine, elegant and very suitable for laying down for many years. Before release for sale it spends a minimum of one year rounding off in the bottle; time enough to show how much complexity tempranillo is able to achieve.
Tasting Note:
Cherry-red colour with good robe. Spicy, balsamic aromas of great complexity, with notes of ripe dark berries and light toasted nuances.
On the palate it is full and tasty, with good structure and rounded, elegant tannins.The finish is long and fresh, with a slight reminder of the fine oak.
Food Matches: Beef / Risottos / Goat Cheese / Venison