2017 Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore Magnum

Giuseppe Quintarelli Winery

Giuseppe Quintarelli was built up in the 1950s into one of the most respected estates in Northern Italy. The family business in Negrar operates according to a traditional philosophy, emphasizing long aging, low yields, and meticulous grape selection. The style is recognizable by a balance between ripe and dried fruit, combined with structure and finesse. The estate works with respect for nature and the environment, with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

Valpolicella Classico is located northwest of Verona and is characterized by hilly vineyards with calcareous and stony soils. The proximity of Lake Garda and the Alps causes temperature differences between day and night, which slows ripening and preserves freshness. The 2017 vintage experienced warm and dry conditions, resulting in ripe fruit and a concentrated style. At the same time, the wine remains remarkably controlled and layered, with a structure that does not feel heavy but rather retains tension.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The grapes come from old vineyards in Valpolicella Classico, where the soils consist of limestone, clay, and loose stones. The vines have a high average age, which contributes to concentration and complexity. The blend consists of approximately 55% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, and 15% other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Croatina, and Sangiovese. This combination provides both aromatic breadth and structure, with the indigenous grapes ensuring recognizability and the complementary varieties adding extra depth.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The harvest is carried out by hand with strict selection of the grapes. A portion of the fruit undergoes a brief drying process, which ensures extra concentration without the wine veering towards Amarone. Fermentation is controlled, after which the wine ages for an extended period in large oak barrels. This aging lasts five to six years and is slightly shorter than in the past, but retains the characteristic style of the house. Through the use of large barrels, the influence of the wood remains subtle, and the focus lies on structure and integration.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a deep, classic color with slight development at the rim. The aroma opens restrainedly and gradually develops into notes of dark cherry, dried blackberry, and plum, complemented by spicy and slightly earthy accents. As the wine breathes, additional complexity emerges with balsamic nuances and subtle notes of dried herbs.

On the palate, the combination of concentration and softness is immediately striking. The fruit is ripe yet remains controlled, with a structure that feels refined rather than powerful. The tannins are present but rounded and well-integrated. A low residual sugar content contributes to the round texture without making the wine sweet. The acidity provides balance and keeps the whole lively. The finish is long and layered, with a gradual transition from ripe to slightly dried fruit, allowing the wine to open up further in the glass and reveal more detail.

Development and drinking window

This wine is still in an early stage of development and needs time to fully come into its own. The drinking window is between 2025 and 2040, during which the wine will gradually develop towards more tertiary aromas and complexity. Due to the magnum format, maturation proceeds more slowly, ensuring a longer lifespan and a more gradual evolution in the bottle.

Summary of professional reviews

Monica Larner awarded this wine 94 points for The Wine Advocate. She describes an initially closed style that opens up to dark fruit and dried blackberry. The wine stands out for its balance and texture, with a low residual sugar content contributing to a soft and accessible structure. The combination of short drying and long aging in large wooden barrels is also considered defining for the style. The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.