Giuseppe Quintarelli Primofiore Veneto IGT 2021

Giuseppe Quintarelli Primofiore Veneto IGT 2021

Giuseppe Quintarelli
$76.00

Grape: Corvina, Corvinone
Vintage: 2021
Type: Red

This low-intervention red wine is the first release of the vintage from the historic Valpolicella estate, meaning first flower. The Quintarelli family co-ferments Corvina and Corvinone with Cabernet varieties, harvesting the fruit manually from hillside terraces. The grapes undergo a spontaneous native yeast fermentation inside neutral wood casks, bypassing modern extraction adjustments or new oak barrels. It undergoes a natural aging process for twelve months in large neutral Slavonian oak tuns before bottling.

It pour a clear ruby color, releasing high-toned aromas of fresh red cherry, wild raspberry, and violet petals. On the palate, the light-to-medium body is remarkably fluid and precise, balancing crunchy berry fruit with a fine-grained tannin grip. Savory undertones of white pepper and damp earth add depth across the mouthfeel without feeling heavy. A clean thread of alpine acidity runs through the center, keeping the profile lively. It finishes completely bone-dry, leaving a light mineral trail.

Giuseppe Quintarelli is a legendary winemaker from the Valpolicella region of Italy, renowned for creating some of the world's most sought-after and collectible wines. Affectionately known as "Il Maestro del Veneto," the late Quintarelli, who passed away in 2012, established a legacy of uncompromising quality, a deep commitment to tradition, and an intense focus on patiently aging his wines. The estate is now run by his daughter, Fiorenza, and her family, who continue his meticulous methods. The Quintarelli winery is famous for its use of the appassimento method, which involves drying harvested grapes on traditional rush mats or racks for several months. This concentrates the flavors and sugars, leading to more intense and complex wines. His wines, especially the flagship Amarone, are aged for exceptionally long periods in large, neutral Slavonian oak barrels (botti)—up to 8 to 10 years or more—before bottling. This slow aging process results in wines of remarkable grace, depth, and persistence.