Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018 (750 ml)

The flagship: 70% corvina, 25% rondinella and a smidgeon of the oft-forgotten molinara for welcome freshness. 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.