The slopes facing the sunset are known as the best ones in Valpolicella Classica for producing high-quality Amarone. Here, where the day is longer, the vines that face Lake Garda benefit from the reflection of its light and from its mild climate. These hillside vineyards contribute to the name here: sera translating as ‘evening’. The sources are on west and south-west facing slopes in the historic Valpolicella Classico communes of Marano, Negrar, Sant’Ambrogio and San Pietro in Cariano. The soil is friable red limestone with cretaceous period marl.
The best clusters of grapes (70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara) are hand picked, then laid out on bamboo racks in special lofts equipped with the Masi’s NASA (‘Natural Super Assisted Appassimento’) control system. By the end of January the grapes have lost 35% of their original weight and have highly concentrated sugars. At this time the withered grapes are partially destemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation is in large Slavonian oak barrels or stainless steel vats at low, natural temperatures for 45 days, after which the wine is transferred into large barrels of 30-40 hl where alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are completed. Maturation is for 28-30 months with 80% aged in Slavonian oak barrels of 40-80 hl and 20% in small Allier and Slavonian oak barrels (40% new, 30% second usage, 30% third usage).
2020
“Only south-west facing hillside fruit is used for the Amarones here, promoting a longer and slower appassimento process. Often the grapes are still on the vine come November, with extended appassimento on traditional bamboo racks. The formidable level of dry extract is consummate across a spread of bitter cherry, amaro bitters and dried herbs, strewn across the long, impressive finish. I like this. A wine for drinking rather than for the mantle. A very good opening act” 93 points, James Suckling
2019
Rich and enveloping on the nose, there are aromas of baked fruit, particularly cherries and plums, accompanied by sweet spices with hints of coffee. Smooth and full-bodied on the palate, there’s soft tannins and a rich, fruity finish. Masi has been instrumental in driving dynamism within the Amarone regulations, and this wine sees the benefit of incremental changes, with a lower alcohol level and an excellent balance of acidity with no lack of the concentration expected of Amarone della Valpolicella.
2018
“Brilliant ruby with garnet highlights. Complex bouquet with aromas of flint, dried fruit, juniper berries, and fine wood spice. Opulent and powerful on the palate, delicately fruity and bitter, fine, tight-knit tannins, round, with a very long finish.” 94 points, Falstaff
93 points, Vinous
93 points, James Suckling
2017
“The wine has aromas of red-cherry preserve, ripe plum, clove, anise and cinnamon. The palate is elegant with notes of dried leaves, dark chocolate and dark cherries. The tannins are already well integrated, giving the wine a magnificent texture. Expect to enjoy this for a while.” 94 points, Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast
95 points, Falstaff Magazine
92 points, Vinous
92 points, The Wine Advocate
