Quintarelli Rosso del Bepi 2010

The 2010 Rosso del Bepi has a savoury, exotic and almost animalistic personality that keeps you coming back to the glass, as a dusting of confectioner’s sugar gives way to wild strawberry, spiced citrus, sour apple and hints of flowery undergrowth. Its textures are soft, offset by salty minerals, a hint of bitter coffee and a tart display of red and black fruits.

Rosso del Bepi is one of Quintarelli’s appassimento wines (dried grapes). His Amarone is only made in great years. In, let’s say, ‘normal’ years, the wine will become Rosso del Bepi (a declassified Amarone if you like). In less than good years, no wine will be made in this style. So, in effect, this is Amarone in all but name, made exactly the same way and with the same dedication to quality. Quintarelli is without doubt the master of this style of wine. There are many great producers in Valpolicella, but there is only one Quintarelli.