2014 Giuseppe Quintarelli Alzero Cabernet Veneto

Giuseppe Quintarelli's 2014 Alzero is a rare balance of power, refinement, and depth. A wine with character and history.

The Azienda Agricola Giuseppe Quintarelli winery is located in the village of Cerè, in the municipality of Negrar in the Valpolicella region (Veneto, northern Italy). The Quintarelli family has been active in winemaking since the 1920s. The name Giuseppe Quintarelli, affectionately known as "Bepi," has become an icon of Italian wine culture. His reputation is based on uncompromising quality, meticulous care in the vineyard, and a unique winemaking style.

After his death in 2012, the estate is run by his daughter Fiorenza, her husband Giampaolo Grigoli, and their sons Francesco and Lorenzo. They continue Giuseppe's life's work with the same attention to detail. The vineyards are situated on the hills above Negrar, with a limestone and basalt subsoil that ensures good drainage and aromatic depth. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm days, ample sunshine, and cool nights that preserve the freshness of the grapes.

Quintarelli produces not only the renowned Amarone and Valpolicella Classico Superiore, but also exclusive IGT wines from international grape varieties, such as Alzero Cabernet Veneto. All wines are produced in small quantities and aged for up to ten years, making them prized by connoisseurs and collectors worldwide.

2014 Alzero Cabernet Veneto IGT

The Alzero is a special wine within Quintarelli's range. While most of the house's wines are based on indigenous grape varieties, this cuvée uses international varieties that have adapted remarkably well to the Veneto terroir. The 2014 vintage is a blend of primarily Cabernet Franc, with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, depending on the specific vineyard.

The wine demonstrates Quintarelli's meticulous work. Every detail of the production process is focused on maximum concentration and harmony. The result is an intense yet elegant wine with an alcohol content of around 16.5 percent, without feeling heavy. Alzero 2014 is a wine that combines power and suppleness, clearly revealing the signature of this legendary house.

Grapes, harvest, vinification and aging

The grapes are harvested by hand in the last weeks of August or early September. Only perfectly ripe bunches are selected. They are then dried for several weeks using the traditional appassimento method, which gradually releases moisture from the grapes and increases their concentration.

After drying, the grapes are pressed and undergo a long fermentation with natural yeasts. Fermentation can last up to fifty days, with regular reassembly to optimally extract the color and aromas. The wine is then aged first in French barriques of various origins (Limousin, Allier, Tronçais) and then for several years in large Slavonian oak barrels. This aging can last up to seven years, giving the wine a unique complexity.

Due to the low yield per hectare and the long cellaring process, Alzero production is extremely limited. Every detail is carefully controlled, and nothing leaves the cellar until the Quintarelli family believes the wine has achieved its full character.

Color, smell and taste

The 2014 Alzero has a deep ruby red color with subtle garnet reflections. The nose is intense and layered. Ripe black cherries, plums, cassis, and figs form the core, complemented by notes of cocoa, cloves, tobacco, bay leaf, and a hint of truffle.

On the palate, the wine displays a lush structure. The fruit is rich but not heavy; the acidity adds vibrancy, and the tannins are ripe and velvety. The oak notes are perfectly integrated, adding depth without dominating. The finish is long, with nuances of dark fruit, leather, and spice. The whole is harmonious and impressively balanced, a wine that offers both power and refinement.

Aficionados praise this vintage for its precision, length and ability to develop for years in the bottle.

Development and cellar potential

The 2014 vintage is now over eleven years old, which is still relatively young for a wine of this caliber. Quintarelli's wines are made to age for decades. As a natural product, it's always fascinating to see how a wine develops in the bottle. Currently, the Alzero 2014 is still full of life, with a beautiful balance of ripe fruit, tertiary aromas, and fresh energy. It can easily age for another ten to fifteen years under optimal conditions.

The character and success of Giuseppe Quintarelli

Giuseppe Quintarelli has linked his name to wines that are rarely forgotten. His working method—small production, patience, and absolute control over every detail—has set the standard for the region. The current generation adheres to the same principles: no concessions, no hasty bottlings, and a firm belief that wine only leaves the estate when it has reached its peak.

The Alzero Cabernet Veneto is the perfect example of this philosophy. This wine demonstrates how international grapes can excel on Italian soil, delivering a unique expression that inspires both connoisseurs and sommeliers. For the serious wine lover, this is not an everyday purchase, but an investment in taste, time, and tradition.

Would you like to order Giuseppe Quintarelli wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.