Wines Amarone della Valpolicella Giuseppe Quintarelli - Valpolicella Classico Superiore - 2012

Viniou Reviews

Giuseppe Quintarelli’s Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012 is a remarkable red wine, crafted from a meticulous blend of indigenous grape varieties, including Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Harvested in the sun-drenched hills of the Valpolicella Classico zone, the grapes are subject to the appassimento process, where they are partially dried on bamboo racks to intensify their flavours and sugars. The 2012 vintage was characterised by balanced weather, allowing slow, even ripening and resulting in a wine of depth and finesse. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for several years in traditional Slavonian oak barrels, which gives it a remarkable complexity, with an evolving bouquet of dried cherry, plum, tobacco, and sweet spice.

The Veneto region, nestled in north-eastern Italy and extending from the edge of the Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea, boasts a rich winemaking tradition. The Valpolicella area itself enjoys a temperate climate with cooling breezes from Lake Garda and considerable diurnal temperature variation, which preserves acidity and aromatics. The soils here are diverse, ranging from alluvial, calcareous to volcanic, endowing the wines with depth and minerality. Veneto has long been celebrated for its ingenuity in the creation of unique wines like Amarone, an icon born from centuries of expertise and a spirit of experimentation.

Amarone pairs excellently with robust, flavourful dishes. Consider serving it alongside braised beef cheeks, venison stew, or slow-cooked ossobuco for an indulgently rich experience. Its savoury intensity also makes it a superb match for aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Monte Veronese, while local specialities like bigoli with duck ragù beautifully echo the wine’s depth.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least two hours to allow its intricate aromas to open fully. Serve at a temperature between 17 and 18°C. This will reveal the full spectrum of its nuanced flavours, lingering finish, and noble structure. Amarone della Valpolicella by Quintarelli promises a memorable tasting experience now, as well as a long cellaring potential.