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2009 saw a ripe yet excellent vintage in the Veneto, and this Quintarelli Amarone reflects its growing year in its full-throttle power, its intensity, its velvety feel, and its unabashed opulence. Layers and layers of red and blue fruits unfurl with Christmas cake, sweet balsamic herbs, new leather, potpourri and touches of loam in this expressive, deep wine. Approachable almost out of the gate, this Quintarelli Amarone nonetheless has the structure to drink over the medium term. This collector's Amarone is a blend of indigenous Corvina along with Rondinella, Molinara, Negrara and traces of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo. Following a slightly early harvest, grapes are left to dry out naturally in the appassimento method, which concentrates flavors and sugars to create Amarone’s distinct and hedonistic profile; after pressing the grapes and allowing them to ferment for 45 days, the estate ages the wine in big Slavonian casks for a minimum of seven years.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Veneto
• Sub Region: Amarone della Valpolicella

Known as "the Master of the Veneto," Quintarelli makes some of the world’s most sought-after wines, and their releases always create commensurate fervor. Quintarelli’s limited production Amarones, Reciotos, and Valpolicellas are the benchmark for excellence. Their greatness stems from the inherent quality of the terroir and the natural talent of this master, whose concept of vintage standards and strict grape selection rivals the great Chateau of Sauternes. Quintarelli puts his wines on the market when he deems them ready, sometimes cellaring them for decades until the right moment arrives. True thinking wines that slow the pace and teach the drinker to be silent, Quintarelli’s wines are unlike any other in the world.