XXXIV MASI SEMINAR: "The Great Crus of Amarone"
An important horizontal and vertical tasting guided by the Masi Technical Group, exploring the terroirs of Valpolicella and providing insights into the effects of climate change
Yesterday, Monday, April 15, on the occasion of the 2024 edition of Vinitaly, the highly anticipated XXXIV Masi Seminar titled "The Great Crus of Amarone: Horizontal and Vertical Tasting Exploring the Terroirs of Valpolicella and the Effects of Climate Emergency" was held, organized by the Technical Group of the historic Veronese winery.
The central theme of the masterclass, aimed at a select audience of expert trade and press members, was the analysis of the great crus of Amarone, through an important horizontal and vertical tasting that highlighted the fundamental role of these vineyards in obtaining excellent wines.
Since the 1950s, Masi, recognized worldwide for its expertise in the Appassimento technique, has been a pioneer in Italy in valorizing the concept of cru (a French term denoting a vineyard that has grown in a particular area and from which an excellent wine is obtained) – as recounted by Masi's President Sandro Boscaini – by selecting, through in-depth pedoclimatic and historical research, the prestigious Campolongo di Torbe, Mezzanella, and Mazzano vineyards, which give their name to the homonymous wines, the ultimate expression of Valpolicella Classica. Indeed, the release of the first vintage of Amarone Campolongo di Torbe dates back to 1958, followed by Recioto Mezzanella, Amarone Mazzano, and finally Vaio Armaron Amarone Serego Alighieri.
Moderated by Raffaele Boscaini, General Coordinator of the Masi Technical Group, the Seminar featured Attilio Scienza – DiSAA University of Milan; Lucio Brancadoro – DiSAA University of Milan; Andrea dal Cin, Technical Director of the Masi Technical Group.
Expanding on the concept of cru, the Seminar addressed the broader concept of terroir, which refers not only to the land on which a vineyard is planted but also to the climatic characteristics that impact that portion of the territory and the human factor, with viticultural practices, stemming from history, culture, and tradition, that impart distinctive characteristics to products originating from this specific space. Of these elements, certainly the human factor traditionally lends itself to introducing greater variability, which can be dictated by viticultural and winemaking innovations, as well as changing consumer preferences. The geoclimate, which in the past was considered a relatively stable element, now assumes new connotations in the face of "new variability," or climate change. This was the third, highly topical theme addressed by experts during the masterclass, with the aim of reflecting on how climate change can influence terroirs and wine quality.
"The considerations and selection of the great crus that we present in this 34th appointment stem from the observation of the current context, correlating increasingly interconnected themes: wine excellence and climate emergency. The discussion on climate change and its impact on terroirs and wine quality, with a possible variation of historical production areas, was extremely stimulating and led us to reflect on adaptation strategies and the new opportunities that arise for the future," explained Raffaele Boscaini.
Wines for Tasting:
- MASI Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG – Vintages 2006 and 2015
An Amarone originating from different hillside vineyards facing the sunset: extremely modern, fruity, and approachable, with pronounced original characteristics. Of great robustness, it is softened by a splendid velvety texture; in its typicality, it does not present the "reciotato," except as a very slight memory; an illusion of sweetness. - MASI CANTINA PRIVATA BOSCAINI - Campolongo di Torbe Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG – Vintages 2006 and 2015
This Amarone, named after the homonymous vineyard, in the Torbe hamlet, in the municipality of Negrar, is soft and velvety on the palate, with a distinctive feature: the almond-like flavor. An evident aroma of bitter almond and cherry pit is also found in the harmoniously blended taste. - MASI CANTINA PRIVATA BOSCAINI - Mazzano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico – Vintages 2006 and 2015
Amarone originating from the homonymous locality, one of the highest areas of Valpolicella viticulture, with great structure and intensity, noble and austere, but well-balanced between tannicity and softness. It leaves little room for the languor and cloyingness of the "reciotato." - MASI CANTINA PRIVATA BOSCAINI - Mezzanella Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Amandorlato – Vintages 2006 and 2015
It is produced in the homonymous historic hillside vineyard, Vaio Mezzanella, located in Torbe, in the Municipality of Negrar. An Amarone distinguished by its particular complexity, called Amandorlato, for its typical aftertaste of almond: a true rarity. At first taste, it is sweet and full. Then it performs a seductive miracle, providing a more authoritative, dry, and complete sensation.
