Father of Amarone Giuseppe Quintarelli passes

Giuseppe Quintarelli was born in Negrar (Veneto) in the heart of Valpolicella in 1927. His father Silvio started producing wine on leased property in the early 20th century, shortly before World War I. After the war was over, Silvio Quintarelli purchased the property - with no success, however, as his son would later find out. In 1950, Giuseppe took over the business and initiated an strategy to improve the product quality. It was not until a trip to Burgundy in the 1980s that he realized how similar the Valpolicella soil was to that of Burgundy. Thus, he decided to bring out excellent wines in Valpolicella, too. Now, in retrospect, we know that this idea was worth it. Today, the winery, which is situated at the Monte Ca Paletta in Cere di Negrar has more than 12 hectares of vineyards that reach across the winery and along the eastern Negrar valley.

In many respects, Giuseppe Quintarelli was one of the most distinctive producers in the Valpolicella. He was also very religous - almost all his trips took him to the center of Christianity and he even met Pope Pius XII in Rome one day. His involvement with his community was also very appreciated by the locals, who could always come to „Bepi“ when they had a problem. His viticulture was marked by traditions of authentic wine production and quality was always a passion for him. His popular Amoranes ripen at least for 7 years in the so-called „Bottis“ made of Slavic oak. All the bottle labels are handwritten and the labels are placed on the bottle by hand.

His Amorane Reservas‘ qualities are in the top league - only accompanied maybe by Romano Dal Forno’s products, who used to be one of Giuseppe’s students and later protégé. Barolos or Sassicaia seem rather like simple table wines compared to Giuseppe’s Reservas. The price for all the past master’s noble wines of top quality are pretty high however. Most of the time you will not be able to purchase a bottle for less than 300 Euro, whereas the prices for Quintarellis Reservas and co went down considerably in the past 10 years. The latter will most likely be a problem for its follower in the future.

If you are planning a trip to the winery, which is highly recommended to any wine lover, the directions will get you lost once you’re past Negrar. If you’re lucky you will find the road. The winery is located off-streat within the vineyards and cannot be spotted fromt he road. There is only a rusted sign that will show you where to turn. Standing in front of a simple entrance door, one will notice you and you will be led to a little office (at least that is what happened to me) where the master will greet you. The proud Quintarelli talked very calm, friendly and patiently about his times. The tasting was announced rather in a very warm way that made me feel like I was part of the family.

The room where the tastings take place is located near the winery in the dark and has something mysterious to it. Once you’re used to the darkness, however, you will see huge barrels, wine cabinets on the walls and a very comfortable lounge-like area. The wines are prepared for the tasting in a very careful manner and then all of a sudden they stand in front of you: the mighty treasures. One time, Giuseppe Quintarelli even let me finish the rest of a bottle that was opened 3 months ago. It was amazing how much strength this often served Amarone Reserva showed and with an excellent aftertaste that proved this genius‘ talent for wines.

You can purchase his wines at the winery, however, not only your own budget might stop you. After all, there are not more than two bottles of Amarone Reserva or Alzero that are offered for sale per visitor. Quintarelli has a whole range of products to show off, however. Granted, Giuseppe Quintarelli is a man of tradition, however, his open-mindedness towards innovations has earned him national respect. His IGT-wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc as well as Cuvée from Corvina with the name of „Primofiore Rosso“ , or the „Bandito Amabile del Cere Passito“ and the dry white „Bianco Secco Ca’ del Merlo“, made of his rare local vine, called „Saorin“, are wines that have impressed me with their taste and intensity.

Quotes about Quintarelli range from „Quintarelli was the true soul of the Amarone della Valpolicella...“, or „...Giuseppe’s wines are so far away from all the others!“, or „Quintarelli not only made his wines the perfect product but also turned them into a divine nectar...“

...I will always remember this sonorous gentleman, who definitely deserves respect like no other. His Alzero, a very impressive updated version of his Amarone, which ripens in small oak barrels, has brought me one of the most intense wine experience I ever had, besides that of the tasting of all his legendary vintages of course; mille grazie Giuseppe Quintarelli. (a.wirtzfeld)