Giuseppe Quintarelli Rosso del Bepi Veneto IGT 2016
(Veneto, Italy) - [VM 95]

About the Winery:
The late, great Maestro del Veneto, Giuseppe Quintarelli, fondly known as “Bepi” to those closest to him, was a perfectionist in every way. From the beautiful handwritten labels, to the best possible quality cork, to the exquisite wine in the bottles, the Quintarelli name is a stamp of authenticity and the ultimate indication of an artisanal, handmade, uncompromising wine of the highest quality. Over the course of an amazing sixty-year career, he succeeded in establishing his legendary estate. Today, the winery continues under the guidance of grandsons Francesco and Lorenzo, still producing artisanal, handmade, uncompromising wines of the highest quality.

Quintarelli is considered the father of Amarone, with an ancient history that dates back to the early 1900s in Negrar, the epicenter of Valpolicella, where between 12 hectares of vineyards and with the utmost respect for tradition, about 50,000 bottles a year are produced. The property grows Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, plus small amounts of Sangiovese, Oseleta, Croatina and Saorin, the latter an ancient local white variety that they are looking to propagate with the help of the local nursery. The average age of the vines is roughly 25 years old, resulting from the combination of recently planted young vineyards that are only 7-8 years old and others that are about fifty years old.

About This Wine:
Named after the great Giuseppe “Bepi” Quintarelli, who revolutionized his family domaine and the entire region in the process, “Bepi” is the name given to the estate’s declassified Amarone. It is produced from the best fruit of the vintage that is dried until Christmas and then pressed. Cooler years tend to be “Bepi” rather than Amarone years, when the maestro could show what he was capable of in a more difficult vintage. Grand finesse, impeccable balance.

Blend: 55% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Croatina, Sangiovese

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"There will be no Amarone in 2016; instead, we’re treated to a new vintage of Rosso del Bepi. This is dark and brooding in the glass, youthfully coy, with a bouquet of dried roses and violets. Complicating whiffs of incense give way to cherry sauce and dark chocolate. It's rich and complex yet also remarkably energetic, with a tactile mineral core that enhances its tart red berry fruits while hints of sour orange add a cheek-puckering sourness toward the close. The 2016 finishes with medium length and a chalky sensation, tapering off with suggestions of licorice and tangerine. This sexy and energetic Rosso del Bepi will win a lot of hearts." - Eric Guido (Feb 2024)