XXXIV MASI SEMINAR “The Great Crus of Amarone” an opportunity to discuss the effects of climate change

The eagerly awaited event of the XXXIV Masi Seminar entitled “The great crus of Amarone was held yesterday , Monday 15 April , on the occasion of the 2024 edition of Vinitaly . Horizontal and vertical tasting to discover the terroirs of Valpolicella and the effects of the climate emergency" organized by the Technical Group of the historic Veronese winery.

The central theme of the masterclass, aimed at a selected audience of trade and press experts, was the analysis of the great crus of Amarone, through an important horizontal and vertical tasting which allowed us to highlight the fundamental role of these vineyards in obtaining wines excellent.

Since the 1950s, Masi, recognized worldwide for its expertise in the Appassimento technique, has been a pioneer in valorising the concept of cru in Italy (a term of French origin which denotes a vineyard that has grown in a specific area and since which an excellent wine is obtained) - as told by the President of Masi Sandro Boscaini - by selecting, through in-depth pedoclimatic and historical research, the prized Campolongo di Torbe, Mezzanella and Mazzano vineyards, which give their name to the wines of the same name, the maximum expression of Valpolicella Classica . In fact, the release of the first vintage of Amarone Campolongo di Torbe dates back to 1958, followed by Recioto Mezzanella, Amarone Mazzano and finally Vaio Armaron Amarone Serego Alighieri.

Moderated by Raffaele Boscaini , General Coordinator of the Masi Technical Group, the seminar featured Attilio Scienza – DiSAA University of Milan; Lucio Brancadoro – DiSAA University of Milan; Andrea dal Cin , Technical Director of the Masi Technical Group.

Extending the concept of cru , the Seminar addressed the broader concept of terroir , which refers not only to the land on which a vineyard is planted, but also to the climatic connotations that insist on that portion of territory and to the human factor, with the practices wine production, the result of history, culture and tradition, which give distinctive characteristics to the products originating from this specific space.

Of these elements, certainly the human factor is the one that traditionally lends itself to the introduction of greater variability, which can be dictated by the processes of viticultural and oenological innovation, as well as by changing consumer orientations. The geoclimate, which in the past was considered a relatively stable element, now takes on new connotations in the face of "new variability", i.e. climate changes. This was the third, highly topical topic covered by the experts during the masterclass, with the aim of reflecting on how climate change can influence the terroirs and quality of wine.

“The considerations and selection of the great crus that we present in this 34th event arise from the observation of the current context, correlating increasingly interconnected themes: wine excellence and climate emergency. The discussion on climate changes and their impact on the terroirs and on the quality of the wine, with a possible variation of the historical production areas, was extremely stimulating and pushed us to reflect on the adaptation strategies and the new opportunities that arise for the future” explained Raffaele Boscaini .

- MASI Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG – Vintages 2006 and 2015

An Amarone that comes from different hillside vineyards with the coasts facing the sunset: extremely modern, fruity and cordial, with marked characteristics of originality. Of great robustness, it is softened by a splendid velvety finish; in its typicality it does not present the "reciotato", except as a very slight reminder; an illusion of sweetness.