In the glass
Aroma: dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, dark chocolate, dried plum, spice
Palate: morello cherry, dried herbs, espresso, sweet spice, tobacco, light leather
Masi's entry-level Classico Amarone is the house's most widely distributed wine and among the most accessible classic-zone bottlings, balancing dried-cherry concentration with a restrained herbaceous character and good structure.
What it pairs with
-
Braised beef with polenta
The wine's cherry-tobacco notes and firm tannins are a textbook pairing with slow-braised Veronese-style beef. -
Venison ragu with maltagliati pasta
Game richness is balanced by the wine's dried herb and cedar notes. -
Aged Grana Padano
Salt crystals and umami of long-aged Grana amplify the wine's savoury tobacco register.
How to serve Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 12-14°C. Cellar temperature (12-14°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour) , the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Braised beef with polenta, Venison ragu with maltagliati pasta, Aged Grana Padano. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Costasera was developed as Masi's Classico-zone entry Amarone, giving wider access to the appellation alongside the single-vineyard Mazzano and Campolongo. Named after the terraced slopes (costa sera means evening hillside) it draws from vineyards across the Classico zone.
- 1978 — First Costasera vintage as Masi's appellation-level Amarone Classico
Facts
- Producer
- Masi Agricola
- Grapes
- Corvina (70%), Molinara (10%), Rondinella (15%), Oseleta (5%)
- Classification
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
- Oak
- Aged 2 years in large Slavonian oak casks followed by 1 year in Allier barriques
- ABV
- 15.0%
- Price
- €60-90 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1978
Frequently asked about Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
What does Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico taste like?
On the nose, dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, dark chocolate, dried plum. On the palate, morello cherry, dried herbs, espresso, sweet spice, tobacco. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Masi's entry-level Classico Amarone is the house's most widely distributed wine and among the most accessible classic-zone bottlings, balancing dried-cherry concentration with a restrained herbaceous character and good structure.
When should I drink Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
Drink 8-25 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
Braised beef with polenta is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Venison ragu with maltagliati pasta and Aged Grana Padano. The wine's cherry-tobacco notes and firm tannins are a textbook pairing with slow-braised Veronese-style beef.
What grapes are in Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
The blend is Corvina (70%), Molinara (10%), Rondinella (15%), Oseleta (5%). The wine is classified as Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG.