2016 Giuseppe Quintarelli Rosso Ca del Merlo

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.

This wine is one of their single vineyard bottling - typically made from Corvina, Rondinella, Cabernet Franc and supporting varieties - the Ca’ del Merlo is aged for seven years before bottling. It undergoes a second fermentation in contact with the lees of Quintarelli’s Amarone, in the Italian tradition of Ripasso, thereby utilising byproducts of the legendary latter to add a layer of complexity to the already high-quality base wine.

Other Reviews....
The Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ca’ del Merlot [sic] is distinctly savory in the glass, with a thrust of wild herbs that evolves into fresh picked strawberries and wet stone. This is a model of purity and balance, with brilliant acidity that propels its crisp wild berry fruits as violet inner florals collect toward the close. Further elevated by a hint of confectionary spice, it tapers off remarkably fresh and vivid, with a blueberry tinge and dusty tannins that promise a lovely evolution. This is a gorgeous interpretation of Cà dal Merlo. It's a blend of 80% Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, with 20% Cabernet and Merlot, with half of the grapes dried for two months and the other half pressed fresh after harvest. Drink 2025-2032.
94+ points
Eric Guido - Vinous