Wines Amarone della Valpolicella Masi - Campolongo di Torbe - 1990

Viniou Reviews

The 1990 Masi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, cuvée Campolongo di Torbe, is a remarkable expression of northern Italy’s iconic red wine tradition. Crafted primarily from indigenous grapes—Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara—the wine is made via the appassimento method, where grapes are dried for several months before vinification. This process concentrates sugars and flavors, resulting in a powerful, richly textured wine with extraordinary depth. The 1990 vintage in Veneto was particularly favorable, offering optimal ripeness and complexity. With age, this Amarone displays intense aromas of dried cherries, figs, dark chocolate, tobacco, leather, and a subtle spice, all underpinned by velvety, well-integrated tannins and a lingering, harmonious finish.

Veneto, and more specifically the Valpolicella hills, is an emblematic region nestled between Lake Garda and the Lessini Mountains. The area’s climate features cool breezes from the Alps and moderate warmth from the lake, creating ideal conditions for slow grape maturation and the development of nuanced flavors. The soils, a blend of limestone, clay, and basalt, impart minerality and freshness to local wines. Amarone’s historic roots trace back to the ancient Romans, but it was in the mid-20th century that the style gained renown, becoming a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and opulence.

For pairing, Amarone’s intensity calls for dishes that are equally robust. It is sublime alongside braised meats—such as osso buco, slow-cooked lamb shank, or wild game stew. Aged hard cheeses like Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano bring out its nutty notes, while traditional Veronese fare like pastissada de caval (horse meat stew) or risotto all’Amarone create a seamless local marriage of flavors. Rich mushroom or truffle dishes also harmonize beautifully.

To fully enjoy this distinguished 1990 Amarone, decanting is essential to awaken its bouquet and soften any remaining structure. Serve it at a temperature between 18 and 20°C, allowing the wine’s complexity and elegance to unfold in the glass.