Spotlight Producer: Quintarelli

It is the Chateau d'Yquem of Italy, absent the grandeur. It is IWM’s fastest selling wine, yet has no marketing. It is the coveted gem of the Boot, but does not bear the prestigious name Sassicaia or Gaja. It is a legendary winery, without an estate. Its bottles are identified by hand scripted labels that provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of the world’s truest artisanal winemaker. It is Quintarelli!

Known as “The Master of the Veneto,” Giuseppe Quintarelli makes some of the world’s most sought-after wines. From aperitifs to digestifs, his limited production Amarones, Reciotos, and Valpolicellas are the benchmark for excellence (along with Dal Forno, Veneto's other legendary producer). Their greatness stems from the inherent quality of the terroir and natural talent of this master, whose concept of vintage approval and strict grape selection rival the great Chateau of Sauternes. Giuseppe puts his wines on the market when he deems them ready, often keeping them in the cellar for decades until the right moment arrives.

Quintarelli Bandito
First made as an accident, the white sweet wine made in the passito method from botrytis-affected grapes (Garganega, Trebbiano, Saorin), has only been released a few times during his lifetime. The rare gem is only created in great vintages and then "banished" for a decade or so before making an appearance on our shelves.

Quintarelli Alzero
This predominately raisined Cabernet Franc is produced from old vines and made with the same method as Amarone (appassimento) and is Port-like in its richness, density and alcohol. It is born from grapes of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with one minimal part of Merlot, withered for 5-6 months.

Quintarelli Amarone
This collectors wine comes primarily from the indigenous Corvina, as well as Rondinella and a small percentage of Molinara with traces of Cabernet, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo. A truly stunning wine with great potential for long-term aging

Quintarelli Rosso del Bepi
To date there have only been two releases of this of this young Amarone, 1994 being the first and 1996 the second. Forward, delicious and already becoming a cellar addition for many collectors!

Quintarelli Ca del Merlo
Quintarelli Valpolicella
These wines are identical in grape composition and are made through the ripasso method. One difference is the Ca del Merlo (not to be confused with Merlot) is aged longer in large wood vessels and comes from a single hilltop vineyard.

Quintarelli Primofiore
More exceptional use of the Veneto trio; Corvina, Rodinella, and Molinara. '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.

Quintarelli Bianco Secco
The master of red makes a stunning white as well, showing deft balance on the floral nose and in the brisk, but full palate. Finishes with a seductive hint of honey.

Related Wines and Links: Allegrini, Begali, Bussola, Fratelli Tedeschi, Romano dal Forno, Nicolis, Novaia, Quintarelli, Tenuta Sant'Antonio.

Prices and availability may change due to market conditions. IWM is not responsible for typographical errors.