Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico 2023

Masi is a towering name in the Veneto region, a winery with an astonishing history stretching back to 1772 when the Boscaini family first started cultivating vines in the “Vaio dei Masi” valley.

What sets them apart is their unique blend of deep tradition and relentless innovation, particularly in their mastery of Appassimento. This ancient Venetian technique involves carefully drying grapes, usually Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, on bamboo racks (arele) for several months after harvest.

This natural dehydration concentrates the sugars, color, tannins, and flavors, which is crucial for creating the profound richness and complexity found in their iconic Amarone della Valpolicella. Masi has not just continued this tradition; they’ve refined it and perfected it through centuries of study and modern technology, even developing a “NASA” (Natural Appassimento, Super Assisted) computer system to perfectly control the drying conditions. Now they’re the tog dogs that everyone is chasing.