Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella 2011, Italy ( Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Alch 12%)

Light red transparent color with purple notes on the rims. The nose is a bit extroverted and fruity. Grape molasses and rose hip jam notes leaves the stage to wood, slightly leather and alcohol at the second nose. In the mouth some notes of damson and cherry, a bit dilute, tannins are strong but integrated. Acidity is satisfying. In time, it leaves the feeling of sour fruits on the palate. The short-moderate final is  fine. But overall, nothing so big, not a surprising wine. Even a bit industrial. But it is a food wine, it would fit well a wide variety of red meat dishes, could be drunk at home parties, picnics etc. The fruity notes of Valpolicella is there but not too deep. Try it as a table wine with food. The curiosity and qulaity of Masi wines are on parallel with the price. 84/100 Price: 10,90€/75cl/April 2013

Masi Campofiorin 2009, Italy (Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Alch 13%)

Opaque, purple on the rims and dark ruby red in the mid. First nose: Cured meat, blackberry, fresh pepper, leather. The legs are thick and slow. Second nose is licorice, tobacco, slightly oregano and blackberry. This medium-bodied wine has strong tannins, rich and delicious as a bit out of usual. In the mouth, the licorice and red forest berry-aromas are strong while the notes of fresh green pepper, dried orange peels and slightly vanillin slowly get the stage. The moderate-long final is warm and under the alcohol effect.

This wine is like leaving a small gap for the cured meat, so it fits very well with the charcuterie products, "very light" cheese types, a nut cocktail made of almond, pistachio and walnuts, mushroom dishes cooked without cream, barbecued chicken and unspiced barbecued red meats without sauce. 88/100 Price: 14,99€/75cl/April 2013

Verrocchio Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2010, Italy ( Corvina 70% Rondinella 30%, Alchl 13.5%)

Rims are crimson as a young wine and gets darker purple through the middle. First nose is very rich of aromas, intense and satisfying. The aromas like fresh fruits such as peach and cherry leave the stage to berry aromas after swirling, like raspberry, blackberry and a bit of leather follows them too. Vanillin is also sensed after some time and that can be a good hint for oak. This medium bodied wine loses nothing of fruity structure in the mouth, very rich and balanced. Even though the tannins create a bit dryness in the mouth, it does not effect the overall balance. With really low senses of tobacco and thyme come out during you enjoy the wine with a  relatively high alcohol content. But the alcohol is not breaking the balance. Tannins and alcohol do not fight against the fruit. You have a possibility of having different aromas in the nose slightly, for ex. green pepper in this almost elegant wine with a sweet-ish moderate final which makes you smile. A joyful day with friends or even alone while reading your book, this wine would be your accompany. I think it would fit a variety of dishes from white to red meats, fried or barbecued, as well as charcuterie and tapas/meze styles bites. Do not be afraid of cooling your wine for a while (usually people do not cool their red wines and also in Finland quite much restaurants serve reds very warm), especially this fruity one. No potential to age. When you decide to drink, no reason to decant, just drink as you open. 90/100 Price: 12.90€/75cl/January 2013 (Photo by Alko)