Quintarelli Giuseppe winery
Quintarelli Giuseppe stands as a benchmark for traditional winemaking in Italy’s Valpolicella region. Founded in the early 20th century, the estate has remained family-run, passing through generations with an unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. The late Giuseppe Quintarelli, often referred to as the “Maestro del Veneto,” was instrumental in establishing the estate’s reputation for producing some of the world’s most sought-after wines, particularly Amarone, Valpolicella, and Recioto della Valpolicella.
The estate is located in the hills of Negrar, just north of Verona, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone. The vineyards, covering approximately 12 hectares, are planted with indigenous grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara, Croatina, and Oseleta. Quintarelli’s approach to viticulture prioritizes low yields, careful selection of grapes, and organic practices, ensuring that each bottle reflects the unique terroir of the region.
Winemaking at Quintarelli Giuseppe is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a respect for tradition. Grapes destined for Amarone and Recioto are hand-harvested and then dried for several months in well-ventilated rooms, a process known as appassimento. This technique concentrates the flavors and sugars, resulting in wines of remarkable depth and complexity. Fermentations are long and slow, often lasting several weeks, and aging takes place in large Slavonian oak casks for extended periods, sometimes up to seven years.
The estate’s flagship wine, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, is celebrated for its rich, layered profile, balancing power with elegance. Notes of dried cherry, plum, spice, and cocoa are hallmarks of the style, while the palate shows both intensity and finesse. Quintarelli also produces a Valpolicella Classico Superiore, which is made using the ripasso method, where young wine is refermented on the lees of Amarone, imparting additional complexity and structure. Other notable wines include the rare Recioto della Valpolicella, a sweet red wine, and the experimental Alzero, a Bordeaux-style blend crafted with the same dedication as their traditional offerings.
Despite the acclaim, the Quintarelli family has remained steadfast in their artisanal philosophy, producing limited quantities and eschewing modern shortcuts in favor of time-honored methods. Each bottle is hand-labeled and released only when the family believes it has reached its peak expression. The estate’s cellar is a testament to patience and precision, with barrels quietly aging wines that will not see the market for many years.
Today, the legacy of Giuseppe Quintarelli is carried forward by his daughter Fiorenza, her husband Giampaolo Grigoli, and their children. They continue to honor the traditions established by Giuseppe, while carefully innovating to meet the challenges of each new vintage. Quintarelli Giuseppe remains a symbol of authenticity and excellence, representing the pinnacle of Valpolicella winemaking and captivating wine lovers around the globe with every release.