Giuseppe Quintarelli - Cabernet Alzero IGP 2011

Giuseppe Quintarelli is considered the great master of Amarone, and his handwritten labels have achieved cult status. It is less about the unmistakable simplicity of the calligraphic design and more about the magnificent contents. The Quintarelli style has influenced generations of winemakers and continues to resonate even after his death in 2012. The winery is difficult for tourists to find and is located in the hills of Valpolicella. His family and heirs continue his work skillfully and more than live up to Giuseppe's ideology. Long aging is one of the most important factors in his winemaking. For this reason, the vintage of the Alzero, like that of the Amarone, always dates back almost 10 years. The Alzero is considered one of the best Cabernets in Italy. However, the composition has changed slightly from time to time, and a little Merlot is blended in depending on the vintage. Cabernet here is also understood to be a cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These grape varieties also give it its intensely impressive bouquet. After the harvest, the grapes are dried briefly (approx. 1 month). This process is called "appassimento" and is responsible for the concentration of the sugar, as well as all other components of the grape. This results in additional complexity, but also alcohol, power, and body. The unmistakable, powerful, and dense style, which is also elegant, profound, and full of finesse, makes Quintarelli wines unique. Alzero is an absolute cult wine!