Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy

The most legendary and sought-after Amarone — Giuseppe Quintarelli's hand-selected dried Corvina, Rondinella, and other Valpolicella varieties, aged 8-10 years in large old Slavonian oak before release. Dried cherry, tobacco, leather, violets, dried fig, spice, cedar, and an ethereal complexity that develops for 30-40 years. Restrained relative to Dal Forno's power; more about complexity than concentration. One of Italy's 5 greatest wines in peak vintages.

Pairing intelligence

• aperitif: The Veronese charcuterie tradition and its greatest wine — Quintarelli's dried fruit complexity bridges the aged salami's depth; figs mirror the wine's dried fig character; walnuts bridge the tobacco and leather; Monte Veronese ties the regional identity
• cheese: The Veronese aged cheese and Amarone — Monte Veronese d'Allevo's sharp aged character meets Quintarelli's dried cherry and tobacco complexity; honey mirrors the wine's fruit; truffle amplifies the earthy complexity