I recently tasted a 1998 Quintarelli Alzero at the shop, and I have to say, it was simply phenomenal. I would even venture to say that it may be the best wine made from Cabernet Franc I’ve ever tasted. Most people who know me already know I’m very passionate about the late Giuseppe Quintarelli and his wines, so I won’t go over much detail about the estate and the range of wines, but rather my impressions of ’98 Alzero. Firstly, the wine was “Amarone-like” in its texture, mouthfeel, depth and, curiously enough, aromatics. That’s kind of surprising since Cab Franc is not a varietal that is used in Valpolicella/Amarone. Its bouquet was more reminiscent of a wine made with Corvino, or even a Vintage Port! The palate was extremely dense and VERY concentrated, indicating that this bad boy probably has another couple of decades of life and should develop further. On the other hand, it’s delicious right now due to that wonderfully luscious fruit that just lingers on for ever and ever on the palate. In spite of its huge structure, the tannins were rather supple and silky, with just enough acidity to keep all that cassis, black cherry and blackberry-fruit from being cloying. Yes.., like all Quintarelli wines, it doesn’t come cheap; but in all honesty, I’ve tasted a great many wines that are as, or even more expensive that pale in comparison to this gem of a wine. I can’t recommend this wine enough if you want to try a genuinely superb masterpiece if a wine. “Beppi”, as Giuseppe Quintarelli was known, was one of the greatest winemakers who ever lived and there is no greater tribute to the man than the excellence of his wines, like this 1998 Alzero.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:30:01 +0000
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