Wine Advisor
Giuseppe Quintarelli, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The Quintarelli Giuseppe 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico pours from its heavy glass bottle to reveal a dark ruby and shiny garnet appearance. The bouquet takes a few moments before it comes into focus, and even then, this wine holds back a bit, especially at this young stage in what promises to be a very long cellar life. It's in no rush. The mouthfeel is especially impressive, and it brings a heightened level of texture and life to the wine. Black fruit and dried plum segue to spice, campfire ash, camphor and grilled herb. A silky and polished mouthfeel is capped by a powerful 16.5% alcohol content. This vintage will appeal to Quintarelli purists who have plenty of time to wait.
About the Producer
Giuseppe Quintarelli, the father of Amarone and a masterful wine grower, has left an invaluable legacy to his family who now manage the estate. Excellence, tradition, artisanal spirit, and authenticity define the monumental work carried out by this property, where only the finest vintages are produced. These wines, renowned globally, are incredibly elegant, displaying a beautiful mellowness and remarkable aromatic persistence. Despite Giuseppe's unfortunate passing in 2012, his influence on Italian viticulture, particularly Amarone, remains legendary. Located in the hills of Verona within the Valpolicella appellation, the 12-hectare domain was meticulously managed by Giuseppe, who gained recognition for his Amarone della Valpolicella Classico and Recioto, releasing them only after years of aging. Today, Giuseppe's daughter Fiorenza, her husband, two children, Francesco and Lorenzo, and a dedicated team continue the family's tradition. The domain upholds a traditional viticultural approach, drawing inspiration from ancestral practices. The vines are treated minimally, with no use of herbicides, and yields are intentionally kept low through meticulous pruning and green harvests. The grapes, destined for Amarone, are handpicked and dried for four months. The winery has undergone modernization to further enhance the quality of their exceptional wines. Giuseppe Quintarelli's estate is a true gem in the Valpolicella region, revered for its Amarone production. Their deep, complex wines, adorned with handwritten labels, have garnered international acclaim. The estate's portfolio includes Amarone, Recioto, and Valpolicella Classico Superiore, all crafted with a similar blend. However, their cult wine, the Alzero, stands out for its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Produced exclusively in outstanding years, Alzero undergoes the same drying process as Amarone. Winemaking at Quintarelli is a patient craft. The top wines undergo a meticulous 20-day pre-ferment maceration for optimal color and tannin extraction, followed by slow fermentations and extensive aging in large Slavonian oak barrels—up to eight years for Amarone wines. Alzero, on the other hand, is aged in barriques for two to three years, followed by an additional four years in larger Slavonian oak barrels. Quintarelli's commitment to unhurried winemaking ensures the creation of exceptional, age-worthy wines that captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide.
