Masi, “Campofiorin” Rosso Veronese IGT 2015 (about $17)

Italian Wine for september, 2019

Masi is one of the Veneto’s most prominent wineries. Located a short distance outside Verona, Masi has been producing wines since the late 1700’s and today is generally recognized as one of the Valpolicella region’s premier wineries. It also is one of area’s largest producers with extensive vineyard holdings in the Veronese hills and the wider Veneto area as well as some vineyard holdings in Argentina.

While an old vineyard and winery, the Masi estate packs a punch as far as the quality of its wines is concerned. Masi produces a number of red, white, rosé and even sparkling wines but is most well-known for its portfolio of red wines, the majority of which are made with some combination of the Valpolicella’s traditional varieties – Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. This includes the estate’s most famous wine, the Costasera Amarone, in addition to other red wines like Recioto, Bardolino, Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Classico Superiore and several IGT wines.

Masi’s “Campofiorin” Rosso Veronese is one such IGT wine. It’s a distinctive wine that employs a version of the appassimento technique that Masi refers to as a “double fermentation” process. The fermented wine made from newly-harvested Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes is re-fermented with the addition of a small percentage (25 percent) of semi-dried grapes of the same varieties. The second fermentation imparts a darker hue, greater structure and richer flavors for a more complex and intriguing wine.

2015 Masi "Campofiorin" Rosso Veronese labelAfter the fermentation is complete the wine is aged for 18 months in a combination of medium-size and large, new and used oak barrels and then subsequently aged for 3 months in the bottle prior to release.

Masi has produced Campofiorin every year since its initial release in 1964 so the 2015 vintage is the 51st issue of this iconic wine. As an aside, there are still some bottles of the celebratory 50th anniversary 2014 vintage on wine shop shelves that is also highly recommended.

The 2015 Campofiorin has a very intense, dark ruby red color with some purple on the rim and complex aromas of ripe red cherries and black currants with a spicy undertone. It is full-bodied with good acidity, soft tannins and depth of dark fruit flavors that elicit an enticing mouthfeel with a supple, caressing texture. The finish is a real treat, long, grippy and persistent with ripe, black fruit and oak-derived spice notes.

It is a lot of wine for a very modest price and is an ideal companion for any gathering where grilled or roasted red meats are on the menu. And it comes with an enviable potential for long-term ageing.

 

©Richard Marcis
September 8, 2019

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