In October, Masi president and legendary Venetian winemaker Sandro Boscaini finally made his long-awaited return visit to Irish shores in a packed two-day tour.
The first of Sandro’s major events took place in One Pico restaurant, where wine journalists from various publications had the rare opportunity of a tutored vertical tasting of Masi’s flagship Amarone ‘Costasera’, beginning with the current release 2007 and working back through 2000, 1998, 1995, 1993 and finally the lauded and still fresh 1988. Also on show were 2005 and 1995 Amarones from the historic Serègo Alighieri estate, which gave the opportunity of sampling different approaches to Amarone, as well as a horizontal tasting in the case of the two 1995s on show.
Later that day, in One Pico once again, was a dinner in which over fifty guests from across the trade were invited at which some of Masi’s other wines were sampled, this time alongside superb food served up by the kitchens at One Pico. As well as favourites such as Masianco and Campofiorin - not to mention rediscoveries in the form of Serègo Alighieri’s Rosso & Bianco - the guests were treated to both Amarone Costasera 2007 and 1988 alongside some aged cheeses that were hand-picked by sommelier Arnaud that morning, and which proved to be excellent matches for the wines. Sandro introduced each wine to the attentive audience, who in all had a fantastic evening and the perfect opportunity to sample Masi wines in their natural environment: with food and amongst excellent company.
The next day saw Sandro give a number of tutored tastings, first beginning with the Irish Guild of Sommeliers held at the charming United Arts Club on Fitzwilliam Street. The wines and talk were all very well received, with Sandro being the lucky recipient of a special IGS tie and bottle of Irish whiskey at the end, for which he was surprised and especially grateful.
A more intimate talk and tasting was then given to some members of the prestigious Euro-Toques restaurant group, one of whom was Ross Lewis, head chef of Michelin-starred Chapter One Restaurant. This more personal talk through the Masi range, including a number of aged Amarones, was again very well received, with the smaller number allowing some more technical questions to be raised. The venue and some excellent finger food was provided by Residence on Stephen’s Green.
The final event of Sandro’s visit involved a consumer tasting evening with over thirty consumers above the O’Brien’s Off-Licence in Donnybrook. Despite the hectic schedule preceding this talk, Sandro spent the evening telling stories and jokes, while members of the public were introduced to Masi’s excellent core range.
In all it was a fantastic visit by Sandro Boscaini and a reaffirmation of the strength and quality of the Masi range, not to mention an excellent opportunity to meet in the flesh such a significant figure in the Italian winemaking world.
For more information on Masi wines, please visit www.masi.ie
