PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Masi, in Valpolicella since 1772, is the Boscaini family’s house, now run by the sixth, seventh, and eighth generations, and it’s one of the most respected authorities on Amarone. Mazzano is one of its crus: a single vineyard “already turning heads in the 12th century,” in the Valpolicella Classico zone, on limestone-inflected soils, which Masi presents as a tribute to a classic, serious, age-worthy Amarone. Where its Campolongo di Torbe is the “elegant” cru, Mazzano is the “brooding powerhouse.”
The wine is made from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, with the traditional appassimento, in which the best bunches are laid out to dry in the fruttai, the winter drying lofts, concentrating their sugars and flavors before fermentation, and matured in large oak. The 2016 is 16% ABV, and production was small: 1,186 cases, of which only 200 cases came to the US.
Wine Enthusiast scored it 96 (April 2026): “From a historic vineyard already turning heads in the 12th century, this brooding powerhouse shows why some places transcend time. Dark chocolate meets candied fruits while leather and cherry glaze weave through each sip. The palate stays rich but measured, like it’s holding back secrets for later. Traditional winter grape-drying in the fruttai brings that signature depth, as dried fruits and sweet spices linger.” Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus scored it 95 (June 2025): “Fragrant, this shows accents of cured tobacco, loamy earth, paprika, anise, cocoa powder and graphite. There’s polish and integration, and with decanting, this offers enjoyment today; but there’s also a sense of tension and firm structure that will provide a long life ahead. Best from 2029 through 2041.” Vinous’s Eric Guido scored it 94 (September 2025): “Decidedly rich, the 2016 Amarone Classico Mazzano opens with masses of cherry and plum sauce, sweet sage and pine shavings. It’s velvety in texture, with saturating depths of tart wild berry fruit and citrus tones that add tension, as well as notes of cocoa and clove. Edgy tannins pinch at the cheeks as the 2016 finishes with dramatic length and a bitter blackberry tinge. While powerful and complex, the 2016 is also savory and would be welcome at the dinner table.”
It’s a dense, structured, savory Amarone, a more serious and tannic cousin to the plusher Campolongo di Torbe, and one for the cellar: Wine Spectator suggests drinking it from 2029 to 2041. Decant for two hours or more if you open it now, and serve it at about 61-64°F, with wild boar ragù, braised beef, roast lamb, venison, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Gorgonzola.
Masi Mazzano 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is produced by Masi Agricola (the Boscaini family, since 1772) in Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grown in the Mazzano vineyard (limestone-inflected soils). Grapes dried in traditional winter lofts (appassimento), fermented slowly, and aged in large oak. 16% ABV, 750ml. 1,186 cases made, 200 imported to the US.
Wine Enthusiast — 96 Points (April 2026):
“From a historic vineyard already turning heads in the 12th century, this brooding powerhouse shows why some places transcend time. Dark chocolate meets candied fruits while leather and cherry glaze weave through each sip. The palate stays rich but measured, like it’s holding back secrets for later. Traditional winter grape-drying in the fruttai brings that signature depth, as dried fruits and sweet spices linger.”
Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator — 95 Points (June 2025):
“Fragrant, this shows accents of cured tobacco, loamy earth, paprika, anise, cocoa powder and graphite. There’s polish and integration, and with decanting, this offers enjoyment today; but there’s also a sense of tension and firm structure that will provide a long life ahead. Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella. Best from 2029 through 2041. 1,186 cases made, 200 cases imported.”
Eric Guido, Vinous — 94 Points (September 2025):
“Decidedly rich, the 2016 Amarone Classico Mazzano opens with masses of cherry and plum sauce, sweet sage and pine shavings. It’s velvety in texture, with saturating depths of tart wild berry fruit and citrus tones that add tension, as well as notes of cocoa and clove. Edgy tannins pinch at the cheeks as the 2016 finishes with dramatic length and a bitter blackberry tinge. While powerful and complex, the 2016 is also savory and would be welcome at the dinner table.”
Nose
Deep garnet. Cherry and plum sauce, dark chocolate, candied fruit, leather, cured tobacco, paprika, anise, sweet sage, and pine shavings, with loamy earth and graphite.
Palate
Velvety, rich, and full-bodied, with tart wild berry, citrus tension, cocoa, clove, and dried fruit, with firm, edgy tannin and fresh acidity.
Finish
Dramatically long, with sweet spice and a bitter blackberry tinge.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy |
| Blend | Corvina · Rondinella · Molinara |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Producer | Masi Agricola (Boscaini family, since 1772) |
| Vineyard | Mazzano — historic cru noted since the 12th century; limestone-inflected soils |
| Winemaking | Grapes dried in winter lofts (appassimento); aged in large oak |
| ABV | 16% |
| Production | 1,186 cases; 200 imported to the US |
| Critics | Wine Enthusiast 96 · Wine Spectator 95 · Vinous 94 |
| Drinking Window | 2029–2041 (Wine Spectator) |
| Style / Identity | A brooding, structured, savory single-vineyard Amarone built for the cellar |
| Aromas & Flavors | Dark chocolate, cherry, plum, leather, tobacco, paprika, anise, graphite |
| Serving Temperature | 61–64°F |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Decant for two hours or more; serve at about 61-64°F.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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