Wines Unspecified Giuseppe Quintarelli - 2011

Viniou Reviews

Giuseppe Quintarelli is a legendary name in Italian wine, hailing from the region of Veneto, a land renowned for its intricate and distinguished reds. The wine in your cellar, a 2011 vintage, is a remarkable expression of Quintarelli's meticulous craft. While the exact appellation is unspecified, Quintarelli is most famous for his Amarone and Valpolicella, typically blending native varieties like Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and sometimes a touch of other local grapes. The winemaking approach follows traditional methods: extended macerations, natural fermentation, and lengthy ageing in large Slavonian oak casks. This results in wines of exceptional complexity, elegance, and longevity. Expect a deep garnet colour, with a bouquet of dried cherries, plums, balsamic notes, sweet spice, leather, and a subtle herbal lift. On the palate, Quintarelli reds are powerful yet refined, balancing richness and freshness, with plush tannins and a lingering, savoury finish.

Veneto, in north-eastern Italy, benefits from a diverse climate influenced by the Dolomite mountains to the north and the temperate breezes from Lake Garda. The soils are varied, combining volcanic, clay, limestone, and alluvial elements, favouring the harmonious development of local grape varieties. Historically, Veneto has been a cradle for distinctive techniques, most notably the appassimento process of grape drying, responsible for the unique richness of some of its reds. The tradition here is to craft wines as much for contemplation as for the table, with producers like Quintarelli setting the benchmark for quality and authenticity.

Given the complex, robust character of a 2011 Quintarelli red, food pairings should feature hearty, flavourful dishes. Classic Venetian fare such as braised duck with polenta, Amarone-braised beef cheeks, or risotto all’Amarone will do justice to the wine’s structure. Mature hard cheeses like Monte Veronese or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano also provide an excellent match, as do game dishes and wild mushroom risottos.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine at least two hours before serving and pour at 16-18°C. This temperature will showcase both the aromatic depth and the elegant texture of this remarkable bottle.