Masi Costasera Amarone Riserva 2018 is a full-bodied Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG at 15.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 95 points by Wine Enthusiast and a Gold medal at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, this Riserva represents one of the benchmark expressions of the appassimento tradition from one of the Veneto's most historic estates.Quick Facts: ABV: 15.5% | Origin: Valpolicella Classica, Veneto, Italy | Riserva (2018 Vintage) | Producer: MasiProduction & HeritageThe Boscaini family's connection to Valpolicella dates to 1772, when they acquired a plot called "Vaio dei Masi" in the Classica hills of northeastern Italy. The Costasera Riserva is built from a traditional Veronese blend of Corvina (70%), Rondinella (25%), and Molinara (5%), with grapes dried for a minimum of 100 days using the appassimento method — a labor-intensive process that concentrates sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds before fermentation. Masi is also credited with rediscovering and replanting the ancient Oseleta grape variety in the 1980s, underscoring the family's deep investment in preserving regional winemaking heritage.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with intense, super-ripe dark cherries and plums before developing into layers of cocoa, espresso, and cinnamon. Deeper exploration reveals mushroom, licorice, smoked wood, and damp earth — hallmarks of extended appassimento drying and Riserva-level aging.Taste: The entry is rich and full, immediately coating the palate with dark fruit compote and black raisin. Mid-palate brings chocolate, tobacco, and subtle licorice, while root spices and mocha emerge toward the peak. Firm yet refined tannins provide structural composure across each layer.Finish: The finish is long and fiercely dry, with espresso and cocoa nibs lingering alongside a tobacco-laced warmth. Tannins draw out the close, leaving a savory, slightly smoky impression that invites the next sip.How to Drink Costasera RiservaThis Amarone Riserva is best served neat in a large-bowled glass at around 18°C (64°F); decanting for 60 to 90 minutes allows the concentrated aromas to fully open. Its intensity and structure also make it a compelling base in specific cocktails: a Red Negroni, where the wine's dried-fruit richness replaces sweet vermouth against Campari and gin; a Sangria Nera, leveraging the dark fruit and spice as a foundation for winter-spiced sangria; or a Valpolicella Spritz, a regional twist where a small measure is lengthened with sparkling water and a bitter liqueur for an aperitivo with real depth.Best For Gifting a serious wine collector or Italian wine enthusiast Anchoring a formal dinner course centered on braised or roasted red meats Celebrating a milestone anniversary or vintage year occasion Adding a benchmark Amarone Riserva to a cellar for medium-term aging Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Costasera Riserva taste like? It delivers concentrated dark fruit compote, chocolate, tobacco, and espresso, held together by firm, refined tannins and a fiercely dry finish. The overall impression is one of rich intensity balanced by structural composure.How does Costasera Riserva compare to Tommasi Ca' Florian Amarone Riserva? Both are premium Amarone Classico Riservas from historic Valpolicella producers using the appassimento method. Costasera Riserva tends to foreground cocoa, espresso, and dried cherry concentration, while Ca' Florian typically leans into darker spice and more prominent oak influence, though both occupy a similar quality tier.Is Costasera Riserva good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its 95-point Wine Enthusiast score reflects a wine built for contemplative drinking, and decanting for at least an hour before serving reveals its full aromatic complexity.Where is Costasera Riserva made? It is produced by Masi in the Valpolicella Classica zone of the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. The estate's vineyards and winemaking facilities sit within the original Classica hills, the historical heartland of Amarone production.What foods pair well with Costasera Riserva? Osso buco and braised short ribs complement the wine's tannic structure and dark fruit weight. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano echo its savory depth. Dark chocolate desserts mirror its cocoa and espresso notes, while grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary match its smoky, herbal finish. Wild mushroom risotto also aligns with the earthy, umami character found on the nose.What sizes does Costasera Riserva come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this Riserva expression.Is Costasera Riserva worth the price? It positions as a premium Amarone Riserva — a step above entry-level Amarone — and its 95-point Wine Enthusiast rating and IWSC Gold medal place it among the strongest values in the Riserva tier, where prices can escalate significantly for comparable quality from smaller estates.Why Costasera Riserva?The 95-point Wine Enthusiast score and Hong Kong IWSC Gold medal confirm this 2018 vintage as one of the strongest recent Costasera Riserva releases. Masi's 250-year family heritage in Valpolicella Classica and their mastery of the 100-day-plus appassimento drying process give this wine a depth of regional authenticity that few producers can match at this price tier. The Corvina-dominant blend — aged to Riserva standards — achieves a balance between the opulence expected of Amarone and the structural discipline that rewards patient drinking. For anyone seeking a benchmark example of what Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva can deliver, the 2018 Costasera stands as verifiable proof.
