Masi - Vajo Dei Masi - 250 Anniversary - Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 1997
Masi Agricola is a band based in Verona, Veneto , Italy . The history of Masi begins in 1772, when the Boscaini family acquires prestigious vineyards in the small valley called "Vaio dei Masi", which is the origin of the company's name. After more than 200 years of passionate viticulture, the company is still in the hands of the family, managed by the sixth and seventh generations. With roots in Valpolicella Classica, Masi produces and distributes Amarone and other premium wines inspired by the values of Venetian territories and using indigenous grape varieties and indigenous methods. The Appassimento method is the process of natural partial dehydration of grapes to produce a greater concentration of color, aroma and flavor in wine. Since partially dried grapes also have a higher concentration of sugars, this system is often used to make sweet or highly concentrated wines. In Veneto, where the technique dates back to ancient Roman times, drying grapes is also regularly used for the production of dry wines, leaving them full-bodied, complex and relatively high in alcohol. Made entirely from grapes left to dry for a long time, Amarone is the supreme expression of the genre, while Recioto is the traditional sweet version. Masi also owns the organically managed estates of Poderi del Bello Ovile in Tuscany and Masi Tupungato in Argentina.
Vajo Dei Masi is a limited edition of 2,500 bottles , available only in magnum format. This wine is marketed on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Masi Agricola.
It is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone and Molinara from the “Vajo dei Masi” vineyard, perched on the heights of the Valpolicella Classico region, on the ridge between Marano and Negrar. The grapes were harvested on October 6, 1997 and left to dry on bamboo racks (arelle) in the Torbe drying loft, using the appassimento method. After cold maceration for 7 days, the harvest was de-stemmed, pressed and then fermented in stainless steel vats. The wine was first aged for 4 years (1998-2002) in new French oak barrels of 600 liters , then stored in stainless steel tanks under nitrogen for 20 years , until bottling in 2022.
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Molinara