2020 Giuseppe Quintarelli Primofiore

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.

Translated to “first flower”, Primofiore is the youngest of the wines of Quintarelli released each year. The mix here is Corvione, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc where most of the grapes are directly pressed except for the Cabernet which undergoes air drying for around five weeks. A hallmark of Primofiore is its freshness and vibrant nature, and this highly aromatic wine is the perfect introduction to the charms of Quintarelli.

Other Reviews....
Primofiore, the under-the-radar gem of the Quintarelli portfolio, has been a favorite for many years, and the 2020 edition does a fantastic job of holding onto that title. A bouquet that mixes zests of citrus, crushed raspberries, peppery florals and ginger sets the stage. This is soft-textured, open-knit and supple, yet spicy as well, with gobs of tart wild berry fruit perfectly offset by a bump of zesty acidity. The 2020 even features a bit of crunchy tannin that adds a tactile feel to the finish, as sweet herbs mingle with hints of clove; yet the end note here is how remarkably refreshed it leaves the palate. Primofiore is a blend of 50% Corvina and Corvinone to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This is the Quintarelli experience as a fraction of the price. Drink 2023-2027.
92 points
Eric Guido - Vinous