Masi Costasera Amarone Contemporary Art 2005 by Yasuhiro Asai

The ‘Costasera Contemporary Art’ project involves the selection of an internationally renowned artist, with origins in a country historically linked to Masi, creating a work of art dedicated to the iconic Costasera Amarone. The artist selected for the 2023 edition is Yasuhiro Asai an expert in the art of Japanese lacquer, known as ‘urushi’, one of the oldest and most prized arts in the Land of the Rising Sun. The work, an incense burner with gold dust and mother-of-pearl inlay, is entitled ‘Saikou’, a term that derives from 西 (SAI = west - Europe) and 香（KOU = fragrance); SAIKOU therefore means ‘the fragrance of Europe’ and specifically of Italian grapes and wine. This precious object was reproduced on the labels of a limited edition of bottles of Costasera 2005.

Costasera maintains the esteemed qualities of Masi’s classic Costasera Amarone. Crafted from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, the wine is aged to perfection, striking a delicate balance between fruity and spicy notes. It showcases a deeply opaque ruby red colour. On the nose it is intense, linear, with hints of cherries kept in spirit, prunes, berry fruit and cinnamon. The palate is full-bodied because of alcohol and structure, with attractive aromas of baked cherries and vanilla; long and velvety on the finish. This wine is the perfect accompaniment for flavoursome foods, red meat or roasts, game, and mature cheeses with a good bite to them, such as parmesan. Also an excellent after-the-meal wine. It showcases an opaque ruby red colour with bright edges, there are powerful aromas of bitter cherries and fruits of the forest with a hint of fruit tart. ABV 15%