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Experience the Richness of Masi Costasera Amarone

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the Masi 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Costasera is generous in terms of ripeness, concentration and extract. This blend of 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and 5% Molinara shows an inky dark appearance with baked fruit and blackberry preserves. With a 15.5% alcohol content, the wine definitely leaves its mark on all the senses. A hint of mild bitterness comes with the oak tannins. Production is 50,000 bottles 

James Suckling 94 Points | A complex and deep wine. Highlights of dark chocolate and black pepper over black cherries. Refined and condensed tannins with exuberant, racy acidity and full body. Powerful, this has cellaring potential. Drinkable now but best from 2029.

Memo Summary Notes

Primary Varietals - Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, Molinara

This Riserva represents Masi's excellence, a benchmark for Amarone. It's a special version of the celebrated Costasera, characterized by extended appassimento (drying) and the use of the unusual Oseleta grape for superior structure.

Introducing Masi Costasera Amarone

Masi Costasera Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2019 is a stunning representation of Italian craftsmanship. This exceptional red wine, made from partially dried grapes, offers a rich and full-bodied taste that's perfect for special occasions. The wine features deep notes of dark fruit, spices, and a hint of chocolate, which together create a complex and layered flavor profile. So, whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply savoring a quiet evening, this wine promises an unforgettable experience.

The Unique Aging Process

The aging process of Masi Costasera Amarone plays a vital role in enhancing its flavor. The wine matures in oak barrels for a minimum of 24 months, allowing it to develop its character and complexity. This careful selection of aging materials influences its aroma and taste, resulting in a smooth yet intense finish. Therefore, every sip reflects the rich history and tradition of Valpolicella winemaking, making it a true gem for wine enthusiasts.

Perfect Pairings for Masi Costasera

Masi Costasera Amarone pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. It complements red meats, game, and aged cheeses exceptionally well. Because of its rich flavor profile, it can also stand alone as a perfect after-dinner wine, enhancing your dining experience. So, gather your friends or family, open a bottle, and indulge in the luxurious taste of Masi Costasera Amarone while enjoying a flavorful meal together.

Santi Santico Amarone della Valpolicella Classico — Veneto 2020

Santi is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most historic producers, with roots stretching back to 1843 and vineyards in the heart of the original Classico zone — the hillside communes of Fumane, Marano, and Negrar where the finest Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes have been grown for centuries. Amarone is the pinnacle of the Valpolicella tradition: grapes are harvested in late September, then laid on bamboo racks in the estate’s lofts to dry for 90–120 days — a process called appassimento — concentrating sugars, flavors, and structure to extraordinary levels before fermentation. The Santico is Santi’s flagship Amarone — a wine of power, elegance, and remarkable value for the appellation. The 2020 vintage delivered exceptional ripeness and concentration in the Classico zone.

The color is a deep, concentrated dark red. The nose is fragrant and complex: cherry jam, cranberry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, and a whisper of spice — the unmistakable aromatic richness of appassimento. On the palate, it is full-bodied and round, with velvety tannins, a pleasantly tangy backbone of acidity, and a long, alluring finish of red berries and dark fruit. This is Amarone as it should be: powerful yet balanced, concentrated yet elegant, built for the table and the cellar alike.

“Dark red hue; concentrated, fragrant nose with top notes of cherry jam and cranberries, followed by hints of plum, dried fruit and cocoa. Full, round, with velvety tannins — pleasantly tangy with a long finish.” — Santi Winemaker

• Producer: Santi, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
• Blend: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
• Method: Appassimento — grapes dried 90–120 days before fermentation
• Style: Full-bodied, velvety, concentrated Amarone Classico
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry jam, cranberry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, spice, velvety tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10–15 years
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, osso buco, roast lamb, game, aged Parmigiano, hard cheeses

Valpolicella Classico Amarone at an honest price — Santi Santico is the benchmark for what this great appellation can deliver.

Allegrini · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG · Veneto · Italy · 2021

Allegrini is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most celebrated families — a benchmark producer whose Amarone has become emblematic of Italian oenology, standing alongside Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino as one of the country’s great red wines. The 2021 is a true classic of the appellation: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes air-dried until at least December, checked daily for perfect health, then vinified with the patience and precision that only a family with generations of expertise can bring. Lengthy refining and aging yields a wine of imposing structure, depth, and the kind of complexity that rewards both the cellar and the table. Rated 94 by James Suckling and 93 by Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator.

The 2021 is still very youthful but with enormous potential. The nose is intense and classic — bay leaves, fresh black pepper, prunes, blood orange, tamarind, licorice, and plums simmering with herbs. On the palate, creamy and full-bodied with roasted peppercorn, crushed black cherry, espresso, thyme, and cocoa, framed by firm, velvety, fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. Long, fresh, and elegant on the finish with graphite and spice. Drink now through 2040.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Still very youthful, but with so much potential. Intense and zippy on the attack, there’s some wonderfully bright fruit fighting to break through the woody veil, with an orange peel halo. Beautifully balanced — but don’t open this yet!”
— Decanter · 93 Points

“This is what happens when earth meets elegance. Forest walks lead to a kitchen where plums simmer with herbs for wild game while cocoa adds its luxury touch. The palate keeps that old-school Amarone soul but adds modern polish, dusty tannins framing everything just right.”
— Wine Enthusiast · 93 Points · Cellar Selection

“Sleek and well-structured, offering flavors of crushed black cherry and black plum, black licorice, espresso, and thyme, all enmeshed with sculpted, fine-grained tannins. Long and fresh, with delicate notes of spices and graphite playing on the finish.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

• Producer: Allegrini, Fumane, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
• Blend: 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta
• Method: Appassimento — grapes air-dried until at least December; checked daily
• Style: Dry red — full-bodied, imposing structure, velvety tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bay leaf, black pepper, prune, blood orange, tamarind, licorice, espresso, cocoa, graphite, velvety tannins
• Cellar: Drink now through 2040
• Pairings: Braised short rib, wild boar ragù, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, venison, osso buco, dark chocolate

JS:94 · D:93 · WE:93 · WS:93 · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG — Allegrini’s benchmark appassimento red. Imposing, complex, and built for the ages.

Il Lussurioso Buglioni Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2019

In 1993, Alfredo Buglioni purchased a hillside villa in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, drawn by the beauty of the land and the quality of its vines. Trading grapes with local producers in exchange for winemaking knowledge, the Buglioni family spent years learning the craft before releasing their first vintage in 2000. Today, the estate spans 153 certified organic acres, guided by enologist Diego Bertoni and a commitment to expressing the unique terroir of Valpolicella Classico with both tradition and a modern sensibility.

"Il Lussurioso" — Italian for "the luxurious one" — takes its name from the wine's long, lingering finish. Crafted from 100% estate fruit sourced from Vigneto San Pietro in Sant'Ambrogio, situated at approximately 495 feet elevation on dark, clayey soils rich in gravel, the grapes are hand-harvested in mid-September and dried through the traditional appassimento process until January. The result is a wine of extraordinary concentration, complexity, and depth. Certified organic.

The 2019 vintage followed a mild winter and a cool, healthy growing season with moderate temperatures through summer, allowing the vines to ripen slowly and evenly. Grapes were manually harvested in selected bunches around mid-September at peak maturity.

Intense ruby red in the glass, the wine opens with scents of cherry, black cherry, dried plum, star anise, clove, espresso, and white pepper, with mineral and dried leaf notes. The palate is lush and full-bodied, with chewy tannins framing flavors of dried cherry, cured tobacco, cocoa powder, and baking spice. Soft, fresh, and elegant, with a long, luxurious finish. Drink now through 2040.

Wine Spectator — 91 pts (Alison Napjus)
"A balanced, medium- to full-bodied version, with chewy tannins framing flavors of dried cherry, cured tobacco, mineral and cocoa powder. Spiced finish." (Vintage 2019). 

Wine Enthusiast — 91 pts (Jeff Porter)
"This classically styled Amarone opens with aromas of baked plums, star anise, clove, espresso and dried leaves. The lush fruit opens the palate but savory and earth-driven notes give the wine balance and depth as the rich tannins give the wine a push on the finish. Drink now–2040." (Vintage 2019). 

Blend: 60% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, 5% Oseleta
Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy
Vintage: 2019
Format: 750ml | ABV: 16.4%
Aging: 30 months in tonneaux and large casks (20% French barrique, 60% 5,000L French cask, 20% neutral oak), then 12 months in bottle
Scores: 91 pts Wine Spectator | 91 pts Wine Enthusiast

The Benchmark of Amarone — Bertani's 2011 Della Valpolicella

Bertani and Amarone are nearly synonymous — the estate's 150+ year history in the Veneto is so intertwined with this iconic appellation that one cannot speak of great Amarone without invoking the Bertani name. Their Amarone is a wine of uncompromising elegance rather than brute power, built for the long haul and rewarding patience with extraordinary complexity. The 2011 vintage, now over a decade in bottle, is drinking magnificently — a rare opportunity to experience a fully mature, world-class Amarone at its peak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

• James Suckling — 97 pts: "Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. Very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold."
• Decanter (Aldo Fiordelli) — 94 pts: "One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. Bright garnet in the glass, dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. Fresh character with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with outstanding balance between suppleness and structure. Drinking 2021–2047."
• Wine Spectator (Alison Napjus) — 91 pts: "A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031."

Winemaker Notes

Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella 2011 750ml

Bertani's impact on Veneto winemaking is so considerable that their name and Amarone are nearly inseparable. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of tradition, Bertani strives toward innovation — using progressive techniques allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for the land to produce wines of uncompromising quality.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto
• Producer: Bertani
• Vintage: 2011
• Drinking Window: Now–2047
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — exceptional with braised beef short ribs, osso buco, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, truffle dishes, and dark chocolate desserts.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Nanfrè is Tenuta Sant'Antonio's young Valpolicella wine. It incorporates no dried grapes and uses no oak. The winery's recent decision to stop producing the Nanfrè as s Valpolicella Superiore allows them to maintain lower alcohol levels, more vibrant fruit and lively freshness. Nanfrè is the name of a hamlet in the commune of Illasi, the name of a vineyard and also the nickname of the previous owner of that vineyard (short for Gianfranco).

Vinous Top 100 of 2024 — Speri’s Single-Vineyard Amarone at Its Finest

Speri is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most respected family estates, farming the legendary Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano organically for generations. Their 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is undisputedly the symbol of the house — a superb, classic Amarone of extraordinary complexity, vigorous structure, and rare elegance. Named #79 on Vinous Media’s Top 100 of 2024, this is one of Italy’s benchmark wines.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

• James Suckling — 94 pts: “Intense, dark-fruited nose of plum skins, raisins, chocolate and wet stone character. Full and structured with a rich, succulent mid-palate and firm tannins. Structured and long, with juiciness and sappiness at the end. From organically grown grapes.”

Winemaker Notes

Speri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano Organic 2020 750ml

Deep garnet red with an ethereal bouquet of dried fruit. Full-bodied, warm, mouth-filling and dry on the palate — a substantial wine of rare elegance built for long aging. Undisputedly symbolic of the Speri estate: great complexity, vigorous structure, and consistent top-tier elegance.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy
• Vineyard: Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano
• Producer: Speri
• Vintage: 2020
• Certified: Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — excellent with braised meats, game, richly flavored red meat dishes, and mature cheeses. Equally magnificent on its own at the end of a fine dinner.

Expert Review -Vintage 2020

Falstaff 92 Points | Bright, radiant ruby red. Elegant nose, reminiscent of cut flowers, raspberry and some paprika powder. Delicate, youthful on the palate, with a pleasant acidity. The finish is long and mineral. Clean mouthfeel. 

Santi's Solane Valpolicella Ripasso is a rich, elegant expression of one of Veneto's most celebrated wines. Produced using the traditional ripasso method—where young Valpolicella wine is refermented on the dried grape skins from Amarone—this wine gains added depth, richness, and complexity.

The 2021 vintage opens with inviting aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, dried cranberry, sweet spice, and violet, accented by hints of cocoa, tobacco, and vanilla. The palate is silky and full-bodied, offering layers of dark berry fruit, baking spices, and subtle chocolate wrapped around refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the wine balanced, leading to a long, smooth finish with lingering notes of spice and dried fruit.

Food Pairing

An excellent companion to grilled steaks, roasted meats, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, hearty pasta dishes, aged cheeses, and traditional Italian cuisine.

Serving Temperature

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C). Decanting for 30–45 minutes before serving will further enhance its aromas and complexity.

About the Producer

Founded in 1843, Santi is one of the historic names of the Veneto, renowned for producing wines that faithfully express the character of Valpolicella. The Solane Ripasso showcases the winery's commitment to tradition, combining the freshness of classic Valpolicella with the richness and elegance achieved through the Ripasso method.

A beautifully balanced Ripasso that delivers the richness of Amarone-inspired winemaking with exceptional value, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Appellation: Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Vintage: 2021
Wine Type: Red Wine
Grape Varieties: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2021 Valpolicella Ripasso Monti Garbi is dark and attractive, with a blend of dusty dried flowers, exotic spices and dried black cherries smoldering up from the glass. This displays silky textures, balancing ripe wild berry fruits against saline minerals and a bitter tinge of sour orange. It tapers off long, leaving the mouth watering for more as rosy inner florals and hints of tart raspberry slowly fade. The savory Ripasso possesses a balance seldom seen.

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Dark ruby red color, it shows notes of red fruit reminiscent of ripe cherry, plum, blackberry, hints of spice, white chocolate and hazelnuts; full-bodied, round and soft, dense and silky tannins of rare elegance and long finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Vinous 94 Points | The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is darkly alluring, with a seductive blend of black cherries and crushed violet candies giving way to a dusting of cocoa. This is silky smooth, nearly creamy yet lifted in feel, with ripe red fruits contrasted by a tinge of bitter balsamic spice. This tapers off with youthful tension, leaving a coating of grippy tannins that are nicely offset by a bump of residual acidity. There’s lovely balance within the 2019 that makes this an excellent option for the dinner table but will also promote aging. It clocks in at just 15% alcohol as well. Gorgeous.