Wines Unspecified Quintarelli Riserva - 2009

Quintarelli Riserva 2009 is a wine that embodies the meticulous craftsmanship and legendary reputation of the Quintarelli estate, one of the most revered names in Veneto. This red wine, most likely crafted from a blend typical to the region featuring Corvina, Rondinella and possibly a touch of Molinara, is produced only in exceptional years and reflects both varietal typicity and the singular character of the terroir. The 2009 vintage experienced a warm growing season, contributing to the wine’s intense ripeness, generous structure, and profound depth. On the nose, it reveals a complex bouquet of dried cherries, plum compote, balsamic notes, sweet spices and subtle hints of tobacco and cocoa, a testament to both the age and extended maturation in oak casks that is a hallmark of Quintarelli’s style. The palate is powerful yet elegant, showing a remarkable balance between concentration, freshness and finely woven tannins, indicative of careful vinification and many years of patient cellar ageing.

The Veneto region, located in north-eastern Italy, is blessed with a diverse climate influenced by both the Alps to the north and the moderating effects of the Adriatic Sea. The vineyard soils range from limestone-rich to volcanic, imparting both minerality and finesse to the wines. Veneto is historic not only for Valpolicella and Amarone but also for innovative winemaking that pairs tradition with creativity. The region's long, mild autumns allow for the drying of grapes, a practice employed in the creation of some of its most prestigious wines and certainly a defining feature of Quintarelli’s reds, which benefit from this unique appassimento technique.

Pairing Quintarelli Riserva 2009 calls for dishes with both richness and depth of flavour. Classic Venetian fare such as braised beef cheek with polenta, duck ragù, or aged Monte Veronese cheese will complement the wine’s structure and aromatic profile. For a truly Italian experience, try with slow-cooked osso buco or wild game with herbs, the wine’s evolution enhancing and being enhanced by savoury, earthy dishes.

To fully appreciate its nuances, serve this wine at 16-18°C, and consider decanting for one to two hours prior to tasting to allow its complex aromas and textures to unfold gracefully in the glass. The 2009 Quintarelli Riserva is a memorable wine that rewards patient enjoyment and thoughtful food pairing, exemplifying the nuanced beauty of Veneto’s finest reds.