The colour is deep garnet. On the nose liquorice, tea leaves, black cherries, plumbs, chocolate. In the mouth filling, with a solid structure. Dense and concentrated. The aftertaste is very long.
Amarone Riserva Quintarelli is a blend of 55% Corvina, Croatina, Rondinella and Nebbiolo, 30% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. After manual harvests, the grapes were placed on wooden crates in a well-aerated room. This technique is called appassimento and takes a few months, during which the grapes lose around 30-40% of their water, while gaining in sugar concentration and tannins. The grapes were then pressed and macerated. Fermentation took around 45 days in casks. Finally, the wine matured for 7 year in oak barrels. Only 5’963 bottles have been produced.
Giuseppe Quintarelli is considered a legend of Italian viticulture, notably of Amarone. He passed away in 2012, having spent many years managing his 12-hectare domain in the northern hills of Verona, at the heart of the Valpolicella appellation.
I drunk this bottle with a friend, who offered it. It can be purchased online for 500 CHF up to 1’000 CHF.
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Grapes: Corvina, Croatina, Rondinella, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon
Type: Red
Vintage: 2003
Producer: Quintarelli
Price range: Luxury (>100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 5/5