and more:
• Quintarelli's Signature Wines
• The Three Grapes of Valpolicella
• Catalogue Feature: Wine Club Gift

A Note from Sergio

The wines of Giuseppe Quintarelli create fervor unlike any other wine from Italy. They are the most sought-after and difficult to obtain for most cognoscenti. A handful of restaurants and stores see but a few cases a year as their total allocation. All vintages sell out within a month or two of their release, creating a huge demand and almost ferocious appetite to fulfill. Why all the interest? Because Quintarelli wines can change your life!

Quintarelli is guided by his own traditionalist principles, not by the market. He is emphatic about the art of wine and that it cannot be manufactured in a lab. As he recently explained to me, “The fundamental problem in wine today is that too many producers ‘hurry’ to make their wines: they hurry the fruit in the vineyard and they hurry the vinification and rush to bottle. They rush to sell their product without allowing it the proper time to age. Patience – this is the most important attribute in winemaking. Patience in growing, patience in selection, and patience in vinification.” This is the essence of Quintarelli.

And it is patience that you must have to understand his wines. They are “true” thinking wines that make you slow your pace and teach you how to be silent while drinking a great wine. His wines are humbling because they are unlike any other in the world. You can very easily confuse a Giacomo Conterno Monfortino with a Bartolo Mascarello Barolo, Chateau Lafite with Chateau Haut Brion, or a California Cabernet with a First Growth Bordeaux (as was proven in 1975 by Stag’s Leap), but one could never mistake Quintarelli Amarone, Alzero, or Recioto wines for any other on Earth.

The latest offering from this artisanal favorite are the Rosso del Bepi 1999, Bianco Secco 2004, and Alzero 1997. The Rosso del Bepi - the most recent addition to the fleet of Quinatarelli masterpieces - has the distinction of being “Quintarelli Amarone at half the price.” It is, in fact, the wine he bottles in place of the Amarone if the juice doesn’t deliver the intense richness to meet Giuseppe's incredibly strict standards. It includes the same grapes and process that go into his signature wine. Only after all of their fermentations does he determine the incarnation these indigenous varietals will have. The 1999 vintage is sure to be a worthy successor to last year’s fastest selling red wine at IWM - the 1996. In addition, the Bianco Secco, our best selling white wine last year, is a must-have during the holiday season. I cannot think of a better wine to have plenty of around the house during the holidays. Lastly, just released from the Veneto’s landmark vintage of 1997, the rare and brilliant Alzero, which I respectfully describe as Cheval Blanc on steroids, is a show stopper like no other. There simply is no wine to serve after an Alzero.

Due to the limited availability and allocation of these rare wines, please put in your request with Perry Porricelli at 212.473.2323. For Quintarelli as a holiday gift, click here!

All the best,
Sergio Esposito

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New Arrivals from Quintarelli

Rosso del Bepi
Since Giuseppe demands absolute top quality, he labels his Amarones only in exceptional vintages; in lesser vintages he refuses to produce any Amarone at all; but in fair years he declassifies it, giving it an IGT appellation and calling it Rosso del Bepi, as in 1994 and 1996. Forward, delicious, and already becoming a cellar addition for many collectors. The 1996 was released last year and became our fastest selling bottle in 2004. Made from the classic Amarone formula of Corvina, Rondinella, with Cabernet, Nebbiolo, Croatina, traces of Molinara and Negrara.

1999 Rosso del Bepi $ 114.99
1999 Rosso del Bepi $ 249.99 (1.5L)

Bianco Secco
The master of red makes a stunning white as well, an artful blend of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Saorin (believed to be a clone of the Tokay grape and meaning "flavor" in Veronese dialect). This marks the debut arrival of the 2004, providing a glimpse of what we can expect from Giuseppe in his standout reds. Deft balance on the floral nose and in the brisk but full palate. It finishes with a seductive hint of dried honey and minerals. Click for other esoteric whites!

2004 Bianco Secco $ 34.95
2004 Bianco Secco $ 79.00 (1.5L)

Alzero Cabernet
The highly anticipated 1997 has finally arrived! This predominantly raisined blend consisting primarily of Cabernet Franc, produced from old vines and made by the same method used for Amarone (appassimento), is massive in its density, tannins, acids, and alcohol, and a hint of sweetness is left to corral them. The wine is unbelievably rich in color, aroma, and flavor. The unctuous texture reveals dried dark fruit, roasted meats, pepper, and exotic spices. It can be uncorked now but is one for the cellar. Though always labeled the resilient traditionalist, Giuseppe still does experiment. In fact, he is often considered responsible for bringing Cabernet into the region. The Alzero is also the one wine where he experiments with smaller barrels of French oak.

1997 Alzero $324.99
1997 Alzero $699.00 (1.5L)
1997 Alzero $1,600.00 (3L)

Click for Italy's other rarest wine!

Bottle-Aged Quintarelli Valpolicella

Ca' del Merlo
This wine is a single vineyard Valpolicella named after a plot of land where a large Merlo (bird) sat perched on a tree overlooking the hillside. It differs from the Valpolicella only in that the grapes come from one specific site and thus the terroir and its influence on the wine are unique. Think of it as Quintarelli’s other Valpolicella to try for comparison.

1997 Ca' del Merlo $76.70
1995 Ca' del Merlo $69.20
1993 Ca' del Merlo $69.20
1992 Ca' del Merlo $69.20

Valpolicella 'Monte Ca' Paletta'
Old vine Corvina and Rondinella join Molinara and Negrara for this blend that is passed through the sediment of Quintarelli’s Amarone. The second fermentation from the ripasso method gives the wine even more decadence and a glycerol punch. This is one of the greatest Valpolicellas produced and is even superior to many Amarones. If you want to understand the wines of Quintarelli, it begins here!

1997 Valpolicella 'Monte Ca' Paletta' $76.70
1997 Valpolicella 'Monte Ca' Paletta' $189.00 (1.5L)

Primofiore
Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc complete their ripening after being picked and stored in wooden boxes, a technique that creates a more full-bodied, voluptuous wine. 'Primofiore,' here meaning first press, receives treatment from the fresh Amarone to provide rich flavors of cherry, olives, spices, and oak. To be consumed young.

2002 Primofiore $39.67

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Quintarelli's Signature Wines

Amarone della Valpolicella
Giuseppe produces his Amarone only in exceptional vintages, and when he does it is the benchmark for all Amarone. This collector's wine comes primarily from the indigenous Corvina along with Rondinella and traces of Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Croatina, and Sangiovese. A truly stunning wine with great potential for long-term aging. Again, 1990, 1995, and 1997 all represent historic vintages in this region. This is an exceptional gift for the connoisseur.

1997 Amarone della Valpolicella $299.00
1997 Amarone della Valpolicella $699.00 (1.5L)
1990 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva $468.67

Recioto della Valpolicella Classico
For 100 years this small producer from the Veneto has been exporting limited quantities to the U.S. The absolute traditionalist has not changed the techniques set by his father. As those who are familiar with Quintarelli know, he creates miracles in off vintages and legends when Mother Nature shines - and in 1995 and 1997 she did just that, rivaling her efforts of 1990 and perhaps 1976 or 1985. For Giuseppe, like his father, the challenge of Recioto is a labor of love. After arrested fermentation, which provides Recioto's distinctive sweetness, this wine's vinification follows the same pattern as for the Amarone. The 1995 and 1990 Riserva are a collector's dream.

1995 Recioto della Valpolicella $290.00
1995 Recioto della Valpolicella $149.00 (375ml)
1990 Recioto della Valpolicella Riserva $435.02

Amabile del Cere Bandito
The white passito wines of the Veneto have long faded behind the evolution of Amarone and Recioto. However, Quintarelli keeps the tradition alive with his Amabile del Cere Bandito. Originally made as an accident, the sweet white wine made from botrytis-affected grapes (Garganega, Trebbiano, Saorin) has only been released a few times during the quintessential traditionalist’s lifetime. The gem is only created in great vintages and is then "banished" (as the name Bandito suggests) for a decade or so before making an appearance on our shelves! A bright, golden amber. Aromas of candied fruit are greeted on the palate by boundless layers of tropical fruit. Exceptional, seamless balance of tannins, acidity, and sweetness. Expect a marathon finish.

1990 Amabile del Cere Bandito $195.50 (375ml)

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The Three Grapes of Valpolicella

Valpolicella Normale
While there is no doubting Giuseppe’s impact on Valpolicella, the red wine zone located in the northeast corridor of the Veneto, there are other producers that provide a nice introduction to the area and allow you better to appreciate Quintarelli. It should also be noted that the modern, collectible wines of Dal Forno have been included to provide a contrast in styles against Quintarelli's more traditional approach.

Valpolicella, Valpolicella Superiore or Ripasso, Amarone della Valpolicella, and Recioto della Valpolicella all generally contain the Veneto grape trio of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Understanding these wines begins with the simple dry red Valpolicella, the ideal everyday wine is often light and fruity. Here are two great examples for you to experience.

Brigaldara 2003 Valpolicella $13.52
Cantina Valpantena 2002 Valpolicella $20.40

Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone della Valpolicella, or Amarone from the Valpolicella, is the masterpiece of the Veneto. With its rich flavors of raisins, dried fig, spice, mineral, and tar, it is easy to understand why it was the preferred choice of Hannibal Lechter and is sought by enophiles around the world. Amarone has long been in the high quality rankings of Italian wine, on par with Barolo and Brunello. No other dry wine in the world offers this level of extraction and complexity enveloped by such a glorious, velvety body.

The magical flavors of Amarone emerge from its traditional production techniques. Carefully selected Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes are spread out in single layers to dry on straw or plastic mats for 60 to 100 days. During this time the grapes lose much of their initial water weight, dramatically concentrating their sugar content. The raisinated grapes are then crushed and fully fermented into a heady and robust wine.

Cantina Valpantena 2001 Amarone della Valpolicella $34.68
Dal Forno Romano 1999 Amarone della Valpolicella $389.00

Recioto della Valpolicella
To understand Amarone, you first have to understand Recioto. This wine dates back to the early days of the Venetian Empire and represents tradition in the Veneto. It resembles great vintage Port but is unfortified and differs from Amarone only in that fermentation is arrested earlier, leaving a higher amount of residual sugar and thus a sweeter wine. Giuseppe and others believe Amarone developed as an accident in making Recioto when the sugar fermented fully, creating a dry wine.

Dal Forno Romano 1994 Recioto $187.50 (375ml)
Novaia 2000 Recioto della Valpolicella $31.35 (375ml)

Valpolicella Ripasso
To provide the simple Valpolicella normale with some opulence, some producers will choose to use the ripasso method. After the Valpolicella normale is fermented in the usual way, it is placed in casks containing the lees from a prior batch of Amarone or Recioto, a concentrated wine made from Passito grapes. This process, which lasts for two to three weeks, adds color, tannins, and complex flavors. Another approach in the ripasso method is to "pass" the Valpolicella through the dried skins of the Amarone. Unfortunately, the term ripasso is not allowed on the label, so you need to know which producers make this style of wine.

Corte Sant'Alda 2002 Valpolicella Ripasso $35.64
Dal Forno Romano 2000 Valpolicella $97.50

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Catalogue Feature: Wine Club Gift

With more than 300 members, IWM's Passport to Italy Monthly Wine Club is our most popular gift! The "Exploration" Passport allows the novice to discover the world of Italian wine by tasting three new bottles each month. Unlike other wine clubs, our Passport to Italy features indigenous varietals, regional classics, and handcrafted wines like Quintarelli's Primofiore. These selections and the accompanying producer and tasting notes represent the celebrated and the unknown from every corner of the Boot.

Includes:
- Three Wines Per Month
- Prices Well Below Market Value
- Producer & Tasting Notes
- Vino Italiano (Hardcover)
- Six Spiegelau Brunello Wine Glasses

Recent Selections:
- Quintarelli Primofiore
- Massolino Barolo 'Margheria'
- Aldo Conterno Quartetto
- Rocche dei Manzoni Bricco Manzoni

Wine Club Fees:
3 Months: $354.00
6 Months: $624.00
12 Months: $1,164.00

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