Amarone Riserva Classico 2017

Proud, majestic, complex and exuberant: this is a special cru version of Masi's gentle giant, Costasera. A benchmark for the Amarone category, which, together with Barolo and Brunello, makes up the aristocracy of the Italian wine world. Here Masi's unrivalled expertise in the Appassimento technique is used to give the grapes a long period of further ripening on bamboo racks and an ageing period for the wine of at least three years in casks made from the finest wood types. The expert use of indigenous grapes for the Valpolicella Classica area - Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara - is enriched by the addition of the unique Oseleta, a grape variety rediscovered by Masi.

Look: opaque dark red.

Nose: intense, super-ripe fruit, cinnamon, vanilla.

Palate: warm and satisfying, baked fruit, sweet spices, cooked cherries, cloves, dry and long finish.

food pairing Ideal with red meat, game and mature cheeses. Fine after-dinner drink.