2014 Giuseppe Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore

Giuseppe Quintarelli was known as ‘the Master of the Veneto’, and is the name behind one of the most renowned estates in Italy. Sadly, Giuseppe passed away in early 2012 and he leaves behind a legacy of producing remarkable wines with an outstanding philosophy, to his eldest daughter who continues to carry on the tradition of this great estate. With their easily recognisable hand scripted labels, these wines offer at glimpse into one of the world’s most faithful artisanal winemakers who was an ultimate believer in letting nature do her thing and in order for wines to reach their ultimate potential these wines were only released when he deemed them to be ready.

Valpolicella Classico Superiore from Quintarelli is no ordinary Valpolicella and is released much later than most from the region after around seven years of ageing. Half of grapes are pressed after a 3-4 day maceration, while the other half is air dried for approximately two months. The wine then undergoes a second fermentation in contact with the lees of Quintarelli’s Amarone, in the Italian tradition of Ripasso, thereby utilising by-products of the legendary latter to add a layer of complexity to the already high-quality base wine. Quintarelli's Valpolicella shows outstanding depth and complexity, and would put many other producers' Amarone bottling to shame.

Other Reviews....
This was a humid and rainy vintage and many producers in the Valpolicella decided not to make their top-shelf Amarone wines, directing their fruit to wines like this instead. The Quintarelli Giuseppe 2014 Valpolicella Classico Superiore offers a spicy opener with tarry smoke and cured tobacco. It also shows some tart and brambly fruit, and this ties into what we can expect of the vintage. In truth, the ripeness is present and balanced. It undergoes a partial and brief appassimento. The 2014 is thinner than past vintages have been, but I am very much enjoying this more streamlined and elegant approach. Drink 2022 - 2032.
93+ points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (Dec 2021)

The 2014 Valpolicella Superiore Classico is pretty and understated with nuances of strawberry, hints of white smoke and dusty rose. This is lean in feel yet cool-toned and lifted, with mineral-tinged wild berry fruits and a savory herbal streak that saturates the palate. It tapers off long and almost salty, with violet and lavender tones that linger. The 2014 is a less powerful yet very pretty version of Quintarelli Valpolicella. It was tasted twice, once from a fresh bottle and then tasted from a bottle that was opened three days prior. Drink 2022-2026.
90 points
Eric Guido - Vinous