Masi Mezzanella Amandorlato Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2011

Masi Agricola is a wine producer in Veneto, northern Italy. It is famous for its Valpolicella wines – and, in particular, for its Amarone wines – although it draws on a range of native and international grape varieties, from Corvina and Pinot Grigio to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The estate is owned by the Boscaini family, who named it for the Vaio de Masi valley that was a part of the original purchase. Now, Masi owns vineyards throughout the region, including in the Bardolino Classico and Soave Classico DOC zones as well as in Valpolicella. Since the 1950s, Masi have had several "cru" vineyards, which make single-vineyard Amarone wines.

The Masi cellars are specifically geared toward the appassimento technique of drying grapes on bamboo racks. They are temperature- and humidity-controlled, with sufficient ventilation to allow for the drying of the grapes. These levels of temperature and humidity have been taken from historical vintages when the Amarone was of particularly high quality. Masi also uses a range of different oak treatments for its wines, and has a long history of experimentation with everything from fermentation to new clones in the vineyards.

Denomination:
Valpolicella DOCG

Country of Origin:
Italy

Type:
Red/Rouge (Sweet)

Grape Variety:
Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara

Tasting Notes:
Look: Opaque ruby red with viscous texture.
Nose: Complex combination of baked fruit and sweet spices.
Palate: Full-bodied mix of dried plums and cinnamon. Fascinating aftertaste of almonds and intriguing bitter-sweet finish.