Giuseppe Quintarelli Alzero Cabernet Franc 2016

Giuseppe Quintarelli Alzero Cabernet Franc 2016

Giuseppe Quintarelli
$549.00

Grape: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2016
Type: Red

This historical red wine represents a monumental expression of cabernet franc crafted using the traditional appassimento method in Valpolicella. The Quintarelli family selects hand-harvested fruit, drying the grapes on straw mats for several months to concentrate the natural sugars and acids. The fruit undergoes a slow fermentation with native vineyard yeasts in large neutral Slavonian oak casks. It matures for seven full years in neutral wood to allow the full structural components to integrate before release.

It pours an opaque, dark garnet color, releasing complex aromas of black cherry compote, dried figs, tobacco, and cocoa. On the palate, the full-bodied, structured frame balances an unctuous fruit density with a firm line of fine-grained tannins. Savory layers of licorice, cedar, and ground black pepper fold into a dense mouthfeel that shows deep complexity. A clean thread of natural acidity cuts through the core concentration, keeping the profile fresh.

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.