2015 Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore

Quintarelli's Valpolicella is not comparable to other Valpolicella's on the market. This wine is made with so much dedication, passion, attention and, above all, time that any comparison with other wines from the region is flawed. The grapes are gently pressed immediately after harvest. After 3 to 4 days, the must undergoes the first fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine develops very slowly and then undergoes alcoholic fermentation on the lees of the Amarone in February, the ripasso process. After a few days, the wine is transferred to large Slovenian oak barrels (“botti”) to continue maturing here for around seven years. After bottling, the bottles remain in the cellars of the company for some time before being released on the market. The wine is a blend of 55% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, a minimal amount of Nebbiolo, Croatina and Sangiovese. The Valpolicella Classico Superiore shows delicate notes of small berries, Mediterranean herbs, dried sage and white pepper. On the palate, the wine is nuanced and elegant with a fine and highly polished feel. This is the pinnacle of Valpolicella from this legendary artisanal producer. Drinking from 2022 at the earliest, but can also be put away for another 10+ years (but that's a shame!!). The 2015 volume only became available at the end of 2022.

The wines of Quintarelli (together with Dal Forno and the rising Star Garbole ) are particularly complex and are without a doubt among the greatest wines in all of Italy. Iconic wines that have become the most sought-after wines in the world without any form of marketing, the ultimate 'wanna haves' for collectors, even rare on wine lists in the best restaurants, almost mythical in reputation.