Masi italian wines - edencroft fine wines

Italy - Veneto - Masi

Though run by the Boscaini family for six generations, it is really in the last fifty years that Masi has established itself as one of the Veneto's most innovative wine producers.

In the late 1950's, they identified certain historic vineyard plots which are vinified as Amarone and bottled separately to this day: Mezzanella, Campolongo di Torbe and Mazzano. In 1964 they launched the now legendary Campofiorin, which revived the technique of a second fermentation with semi-dried grapes, adding depth and complexity to Valpolicella.

Masi have also rescued the ancient Oseleta variety from extinction; its deep coloured, structured character can be seen in a supporting role in Toar, and taking a lead in Osar, just two of the companies celebrated Supervenetian wines.

2000, Campolongo di Torbe Amarone Classico.

Bin No

PP5672123

Size

75cl

Price

£55.00

Grape varieties: 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara.

Harvest 2000: Flowering and bunch formation benefited from excellent climatic conditions. After a long summer drought, the grapes recovered thanks to beneficial rains at the end of August. Picking of red grapes began after the middle of September. Production was 10-15% lower than previous years in quantity. Although occasional rains disrupted the harvest, the grapes were all very healthy with good sugar levels. The “appassimento” process was very successful.

Tasting notes: Deep ruby red. Intensely fruity on the nose with hints of raisins, together with sweet and alluring notes of cocoa, vanilla, cherries, spices and fruit preserved in spirit. Tannins offset by the fullbodied and powerful nature of the wine.

There is a shifting illusion of sweetness throughout, but always in perfect harmony with the power of this cru wine. Fascinating nuances of sweetness and warmth on the finish with concentrated aromatic core. Long and seductive.

2006, Frescaripa Bardolino Classico.

Bin No

PP567277

Size

75cl

Price

£9.50

Grape varieties: 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 15% Molinara.

2006 harvest: Spring in the low lying areas of the plains and the foothills was characterized by the usual varied weather conditions. After quite a cold June the weather switched to the other extreme, leading to temperatures above the norm in July.

This year the Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grapes ripened slowly. This provided ideal growth conditions and the ripening grape bunches were very healthy. Thanks to extremely favourable weather conditions the wines produced in the Bardolino Classico area this year are particularly fresh and have very good aromatic qualities.

Tasting notes: Mid weight red in colour with violet tinges. Wild cherries on the nose with hints of strawberries and raspberries. Characteristically fresh on the palate with good acidity highlighted by youthfull flavours of green pepper, sweet peppers and fresh tomato. Soft on the finish with ripe cherry flavours.

2006, Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico.

Bin No

PP567217

Size

75cl

Price

£9.95

Grape varieties: 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara.

2006 harvest: After a mild winter and a spring with very little rainfall, the first half of June had plentiful rainfall combined with high temperatures, which became even higher in the second half of the month.

These two factors together combined to bring ripening phases forward by about two weeks. The high temperatures and the generally favourable climatic conditions meant that the grapes were both healthy and very good quality. In terms of quantity, the grape harvest in the Valpolicella region was as expected, thanks also to a light 15% green harvest.

Tasting notes: Ruby red colour with violet tinges. Bouquet of violets, roses and mint combined with cherries and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Fresh on the palate, well structured with good weight and an attractive overlay of tannins.