Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1.5L 2017

Giuseppe Quintarelli, a legendary producer in Italy’s Veneto region, is renowned for crafting some of the world’s most iconic and complex Amarone wines. The Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017 in the 1.5L magnum format is a true masterpiece, representing the pinnacle of Amarone production. Made using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are dried before fermentation to concentrate their flavours, this wine is rich, powerful, and incredibly elegant. The 2017 vintage reflects both the opulence and balance that Quintarelli’s Amarones are famous for, with the magnum bottle format allowing for even longer aging potential.

Appearance: Deep, intense garnet red, showcasing both concentration and the potential for long aging.

Aroma: The nose is rich and complex, with layers of dried cherry, blackcurrant, and plum, interwoven with notes of dried fig, leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate. There are also subtle hints of sweet spice, such as cinnamon and clove, as well as balsamic undertones, reflecting the wine’s time spent aging in large oak barrels.

Taste: On the palate, this Amarone is full-bodied and velvety, offering flavours of ripe black fruit, such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum, along with dried fruit notes like fig and raisin. The wine’s firm tannic structure is beautifully balanced by fresh acidity, keeping it lively despite its richness. Layers of spice, dark chocolate, and a touch of earthy minerality add depth, while the finish is long and luxurious.

Finish: The finish is incredibly long, with lingering dark fruit, sweet spices, and a touch of leather, showcasing the wine’s power, elegance, and aging potential.

Food pairing: This Amarone pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as braised short ribs, roasted game, or slow-cooked lamb, where the wine’s richness and tannins complement the savoury depth of the food. It also works wonderfully with strong, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Gorgonzola, and can even be enjoyed as a contemplative wine on its own. For a special occasion, the magnum format adds to its grandeur and aging capability.