| The history of Masi is the history of its vineyards. Its name derives from "Vaio dei Masi" (little valley of the Masi in the valley of the Negrar, in the Valpolicella classico zone), the first vineyard acquired by the Boscaini family, owners of Masi, at the end of the 18th century.
Little by little, the winery has grown through successive and very careful acquisitions, which were selected for the quality of their terrain and location as well as for their historical importance, beginning from the classico zones of Valpolicella, Bardolino and Soave. In the last ten years the company developed projects in other prestigious viticoltural areas of the Venetian region and more recently outside Italy, in Argentina.
The Masi vineyards have remained in the Boscaini family for six generations.
Sandro Boscaini is the company president; his brother Sergio is chief enologist; his cousin Roberto is logistic manager; his cousin Dario is responsible for viticulture.
Masi produces exclusively premium wines which are modern in style but deeply rooted in tradition. The grapes used are mostly indigenous varieties of the region. They are vinified using traditional systems, like “appassimento”, combined with modern techniques. The result is that each single wine has a unique personality, even maintaining the style of the region. Modern, pleasant, well-balanced and recognizable wines which have earned Masi recognition for having “revolutionized the art of wine-making in the Veneto”, and which wine author Hugh Johnson has defined as “a touchstone for Veronese enology”.
Masianco Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo, Venezie Price $11.99 Rating 92 The nose offers delicate floral, ripe melon and a twist of citrus. Rich flavors of lemon, lime blossom and ripe tropical melon follow. The length is long and complex. Notes of mineral and fig appear in the finish.
Masi "Osar" Rosso del Veronese 1998
Price $89
Rating 94
The nose lingers with earthy truffle and subtle red fruit. The sip is rich and crisp with bright, ripe red fruit. Mineral appears during the long length on the palate.
Masi Campofiorin Ripasso, Verona 2001
Price $13
Rating 91
The classic grape blend in this region is Corvina, Rondinella, in this case the ratio is 70%, 25% and 5%. This wine concept is a Masi invention, being a cross between cherry-like Valpolicella and raisiny Amorone. The nose hints of pepper and raisin. The sip is chewy with prune, dried tropical fruit, dried cherry and peppery raisin. Serve with red meat, sharp cheese, osso bucco or wild mushroom risotto.
Masi "Brolo di Campofiorin" Verona 1999
Price $25
Rating 93
The nose is complex with prune, plum, black cherry and raisin. The sip begins with black earthiness, then evolves to somber dried fruit and black cherry with herbs within the long length on the palate. The grape blend is approximatel 80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella.
Masi Contasera Amarone Classico, Veneto 2001 Price $52 Rating 94 The nose contains subtle ,black cherry, dark fruit with pepper and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. The sip coats the palate like a velvet coat of paint. Black cherry and dried tropical fruit meld with mineral and pepper in the long, complex length.
Masi Contasera Amarone Classico, Veneto 2000 Price $55 Rating 95 The nose contains subtle dark fruit with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. The sip coats the palate like a velvet coat of paint. Black cherry and dried tropical fruit meld with mineral and pepper in the long, complex length.
Masi Contasera Amarone Classico, Veneto 1997 Price $79 Rating 97 The nose contains subtle prune, cocoa powder, dark fruit with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. The sip coats the palate like a velvet coat of paint. Chocolate, black cherry and dried tropical fruit meld with mineral and pepper in the long, complex length.
Masi Contasera Amarone Classico, Veneto 1990 Price $79 Rating 94 The nose contains subtle raisin, dried black cherry, dark fruit with fresh herbs. The sip coats the palate like a velvet coat of paint. Black cherry, luscious prune, and dried tropical fruit meld with mineral and pepper in the long, complex length.
Masi "Serego Alighieri Vaio Amaron" Amarone, Vento 1999 Price $79 Rating 98 The nose is vibrant with both ripe and dried fruit. Nuances of cherry wood from the unique old-style barreling shows through. The sip is like biting into chewy fruit nougat, with aspects of dried fruit and toasty nuts.
Masi Campolongo di Torbe Amarone Classico, Veneto 1999 Price $125 Rating 96 The nose resounds with earthy tar, black pepper and a spectrum of dried, black fruit. Flavors of chocolate covered cherries, deep mineral, dried black cherry, raisin, maple syrup and pepper follow. The length is long on the palate. The nunces say sweet, but the wine is dry.
Masi Mazzano Amarone Classico, Veneto 1999 Price $150 Rating 98 The nose is powerful, like pistacio and dried fruit nougat. The sip is diversely complex with ripe red cherry, dried tropical fruit, raisin, caramel, roasted nuts and a spectrum of tree flowers. The nuances sound sweet, but the wine is dry.
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