The 1999 Valpolicella from Quintarelli Giuseppe is a remarkable red wine that exemplifies the artistry of this famed estate. Produced in the heart of the Veneto region, the wine’s style is classic and refined, with the potential for impressive complexity after more than two decades of careful maturation. Given Quintarelli’s approach, the wine is likely crafted through meticulous traditional methods, with hand-harvested grapes and extended fermentation. While Valpolicella wines often bring together native varietals such as Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, the precise blend can vary, and Quintarelli’s methods sometimes include unique touches like partial drying of the grapes to bring added depth and structure. The vintage of 1999, in particular, is recognised for its balanced growing season, enabling the production of elegantly structured wines with considerable longevity.
Valpolicella, nestled between Lake Garda and the city of Verona, enjoys a varied terroir of limestone and basalt soils, providing a mineral backbone to the wines. The region benefits from a moderate climate influenced by cool mountain breezes and the warmth from the lake, resulting in wines that are fresh yet complex, offering aromatic finesse. Valpolicella boasts a rich history, as one of Italy’s most celebrated red wine regions, and Quintarelli is widely acknowledged for elevating its reputation through distinct, long-lived cuvées.
When it comes to food pairing, a mature Valpolicella of this pedigree is exceptionally versatile. It complements hearty Italian fare, making it a perfect partner for slow-cooked beef ragù, osso buco, or a traditional risotto all’Amarone from the region. The wine’s freshness and underlying savoury notes also make it suitable for mushroom-based dishes, game birds such as quail or pheasant, or even a robust aged cheese like Monte Veronese.
For the best experience, allow the wine to breathe for at least one to two hours before serving, and pour at a temperature of around 16-18°C. This will enable the nuanced aromas and soft, integrated tannins to express themselves fully, offering a rewarding glimpse into one of Veneto’s most iconic reds.
