MASI, CAMPOLONGO DI TORBE & MAZZANO, AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA

VENETO, ITALY 2013

 

Why Buy: Amarones are more popular than ever, as drinkers the world over have discovered (and come to revel in) their luxuriousness and depth, their terroir character, and their eminent pairability. Well, we've just secured two of the best out there, both from the great Masi ("the leading producer of Amarone," in the estimation of Decanter), both with ten years of bottle age — the 97-point 2013 Campolongo di Torbe Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico) and the 96-point Mazzano 2013 (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico).

What They're Saying: "An ever-evolving wine in the glass and on the palate," Wine Enthusiast wrote of the 2013 Campolongo di Torbe Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico), awarding 97 points and gushing over its knitted aromatics ("savory herbs, dried figs, and baking spice") and "structured and rich" palate "that will give this wine life for years to come." Aromatics were top of mind, as well, for Wine Spectator, whose 96-point review of the "vibrant, harmonious" Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Mazzano 2013 singled out "a rich panoply of blackberry confit, dried raspberry, iron, smoke and aromatic overtones of fresh thyme, violet and clove," not to mention the "sculpted, deftly-knit tannins providing pleasing tension." 

The Story: Is it a stretch to say that Masi, all by itself, elevated Amarone della Valpolicella to the enormous esteem in which it is held today, where it is sometimes spoken of as a regional leader a la Chianti and Barolo? Perhaps. But not by much. It has been a long and winding climb to reach this exalted place of world-class renown. The company has existed in one form or another since a time before the U.S. became the U.S. — its founding dates to 1772, when the Boscaini family purchased a small parcel of land in Vaio dei Masi. More than 250 years later, the Boscainis remain at the helm, led by Sandro Boscaini, and they are as committed as ever to extolling the Valpolicella varietal, no more so than in their world-class Amarones, which have, to their great credit, incorporated new insight into appassimento (a method of drying wine grapes on racks or straw mats) and new advances in vinification to achieve superior balance, focus, and definition.

Our Tasting Notes:

• Made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes sourced from a single-vineyard that dates back to the 12th century, the 2013 Campolongo di Torbe Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico) is a deeply-expressed wine, from its phenomenally complex aromatics (a rich array of jammy berry fruits, baking spices, and dried herbs) to its fulsome mid-palate to the rich and impressive way it extends into its long, sustained finish. 
• The 2013 Mazzano Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico), only 200 cases of which have been imported, is a powerhouse of a red, richly concentrated and with an intensity that doesn't let up. Its dark berry fruits, tobacco, and wild herbs are all held in impressive balance.

What to Pair Them With: Pasta Bolognese; lasagna; roast lamb; roast duck; hard, ripe cheeses; charcuterie.

ABV: 2013 Campolongo di Torbe Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico), 16%; Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Mazzano 2013, 16%.

Fun Fact: Masi's most traditional Amarone, in the estimation of Forbes, is Vaio, which is sourced from the Serego Alighieri estates in Valpolicella Classico. The estate managers are descendants of Dante Alighieri, otherwise known as Dante, the great poet who wrote the 14th century epic, The Divine Comedy.

Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so you can be confident that your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NC, NM, NY, TN, or WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, November 19th, 2023.