Ok, this is a departure from my last few posts, but as my friends know, I'm a huge wine fan. In fact, as I write this, I've already consumed half a bottle of 2002 Heitz Napa Cabernet, and a half a bottle of Hess Cab. Granted, the Heitz cost about 4x the Hess, but we started with the Heitz and then decided we needed more wine.
Anyway, I'm now on a mission. To learn as much as possible about Giuseppe Quintarelli as I can. And let me tell you, it's not an easy task. If you google him, you only get so much before the information becomes redundant. Why Wine Spectator, particularly in it's most recent edition which focuses on Italian wines, doesn't spend a little time on Quintarelli, I guess we'll never know. But considering how amazing his wines are supposed to be, I would hope Wine Spectator, of all magazines, would have spent some time finding and interviewing this guy.
So, just for the reader's information, I reproduce the following tidbit:
"It is the Chateau d'Yquem of Italy, absent the grandeur. It is IWM's fastest selling wine, yet has no marketing. It is the coveted gem of the Boot, but does not bear the prestigious name Sassicaia or Gaja. It is a legendary winery, without an estate. Its bottles are identified by hand scripted labels that provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of the world’s truest artisanal winemaker. It is Quintarelli!
Known as "the Master of the Veneto," Giuseppe Quintarelli makes some of the world’s most sought-after wines. From aperitifs to digestifs, his limited production Amarones, Reciotos, and Valpolicellas are the benchmark for excellence (along with Dal Forno, Veneto's other legendary producer). Their greatness stems from the inherent quality of the terroir and natural talent of this master, whose concept of vintage approval and strict grape selection rival the great Chateau of Sauternes. Giuseppe puts his wines on the market when he deems them ready, often keeping them in the cellar for decades until the right moment arrives."
How can this not be compelling?! So, yeah, I just dropped $280 on a magnum of the stuff. It's not the Amarone. I wish it were. But there was none available, and the price would have been much higher. So I got a magnum of 1997 Giuseppe Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico. I'm really looking forward to getting it, and will likely open it at a restaurant in town called Bacco. I'll be sure, of course, to post an analysis of the wine once it's been consumed. Oh, and it is a magnum, so it might be a good idea if another couple of people came along for dinner! I may save this for my 32nd b-day on 2/1/2009. If you're interested in joining Julie and me, let me know!
