Rumors are circulating within the wine world that the “Master of the Veneto” has finally passed. Unquestionably the passing of such a beloved man would sadden not only his family and loved ones but the fortunate who have come to know and love his exceptional wines. But even if the rumors are false (Giuseppe has been ill for some time), one must realize that the Maestro has achieved few in the wines ever do; for decades he has been considered a wine immortal. So superior are his wines, to those within Valpolicella specifically and Italy in general, that the reverence given to them and their maker is usually reserved for those whose lifetime greatness is only recognized after their death. These wines are a life long commitment to the highest standards in winemaking and an unwavering understanding of history and tradition. Berkeley Wine Company is proud to present the wines of Giuseppe Quintarelli.
This white shows Bepis mastery of a different kind. He blends no fewer than six grapes to produce this Garganega based wine. White flower aromas pervade the nose and transfer well onto the palate which seduces with soft citrus cream and compelling minerality.
Primofiore or First Flower is Giuseppe's entry level red made from the first pressings of traditional grape varieties with the possible addition of Cabernet Franc. This value wine introduces the true style of the Master, with layer upon layer of rich fruit, olives, plum and spices. Never overstated, the balance of this “table wine” is perfect with nice minerality and supple tannins..
This Valpolicella comes from the single vineyard known as Ca del Merlo, named for the indigenous Merlo bird. As with all Quintarelli wines the delineation and depth of flavors put this complex dry wine on a level above any other Valpolicella and most Amarone.
This single vineyard Valpolicella offers sweet aromas of violet dark fruits and white pepper followed on the palate full of dark fruit and balancing acidity. Immense complexity resides on a medium-bodied frame that shows no sign of heaviness.
Beautifully suave; delicate mulberries and herb notes seduce on the nose while the palate swells with unbridled joy, treating us to a fabulous roll of crushed sweet Scottish raspberries, interwoven with a hint of wild herbs and gentle structure.
“The 1997 Recioto della Valpolicella Classico is a gorgeous, refined wine with layers of sweet, perfumed fruit that flow gracefully from its medium-bodied frame. Sweet spices, licorice, leather and incense linger on the long and immensely satisfying finish.” Antonio Galloni
97 points Wine Advocate "There's not too much I can say about the 1995 Recioto other than it is a stunning, unforgettable wine. It explodes from the glass with an array of heady, exotic black cherries, graphite, roasted coffee beans and spices. Endowed with an almost port-like richness, it offers phenomenal concentration and depth on the palate without ever giving the impression of heaviness." Antonio Galloni
Quintarelli declassifies his Amarone to Rosso del Bepi in vintages he doesn't feel merit the Amarone designation. So this, his 1999, is essentially one of the Master's Amarone in a lesser vintage. You would be hard pressed to find anyone else's Amarone in ANY vintage that rivals the gloriuos expression of dried fruit in Bepi's Red". Stunningly opulent!
Outstanding, complex bouquet that shows white, chocolate, mocha, black cherry and plum notes. Medium to full bodied on the palate with well integrated acidity and tannins. Outstanding balance between the fruit, acidity and tannins and a very long finish. This is a wine of outstanding depth, complexity and character.
Primofiore or First Flower is Giuseppe's entry level red made from the first pressings of traditional grape varieties with the possible addition of Cabernet Franc. This value wine introduces the true style of the Master, with layer upon layer of rich fruit, olives, plum and spices. Never overstated, the balance of this “table wine” is perfect with nice minerality and supple tannins.!
97 points Wine Advocate This sweet white dessert wine flows from the glass with endless nuances of licorice, roasted coffee beans, toffee, star anise and sweet spices, showing remarkable purity. The layers of fruit and complex tertiary aromas lead to a long, caressing finish that lingers on the palate with tons of elegance.
This single vineyard Valpolicella offers sweet aromas of violet dark fruits and white pepper followed on the palate full of dark fruit and balancing acidity. Immense complexity resides on a medium-bodied frame that shows no sign of heaviness.
.The 2000 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a thing of beauty. The wine possesses the grace of a ballerina, phenomenal balance and impeccable pedigree. To be sure, this is a super-traditional, cask-aged Amarone, and it may not appeal to all palates, but readers in search of fine old-school Amarone won't find a better wine among this year's new releases.
97 points Wine Advocate "There's not too much I can say about the 1995 Recioto other than it is a stunning, unforgettable wine. It explodes from the glass with an array of heady, exotic black cherries, graphite, roasted coffee beans and spices. Endowed with an almost port-like richness, it offers phenomenal concentration and depth on the palate without ever giving the impression of heaviness." Antonio Galloni
Quintarelli declassifies his Amarone to Rosso del Bepi in vintages he doesn't feel merit the Amarone designation. So this, his 1999, is essentially one of the Master's Amarone in a lesser vintage. You would be hard pressed to find anyone else's Amarone in ANY vintage that rivals the gloriuos expression of dried fruit in "Bepi's Red". Stunningly opulent!
First made as an accident, the white sweet wine made in the passito method from botrytis-affected grapes has only been released a few times during his lifetime.
Quintarelli's 1997 Amarone is seductive from the first aromas that float from the glass. It offers a myriad of dried cherries, plums, tea leaves, earthiness, spices, smoke and herbs in a deceptively medium-bodied style bursting with flavor. Constantly changing in the glass, this is a sensual wine of contrasts; it is sweet yet dry, rustic yet incredibly elegant, all at the same time.... - 95 Points Antonio Gallioni-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
