Giuseppe Quintarelli’s 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico in Magnum brings together one of Veneto’s most patient winemaking traditions and the distinctive ageing potential of a 1.5-litre bottle. Natural grape drying, slow fermentation and many years in oak create a wine of considerable depth without sacrificing balance or a dry finish. This large format is particularly appealing to collectors and for special occasions where the wine itself deserves time and attention.

The Quintarelli estate in Negrar

Based in the hills of Negrar, near Verona, the Quintarelli family is closely associated with traditional Amarone. The vineyards have limestone and basalt soils, while the vines average around thirty years of age. Careful selection at harvest and patient cellar work define the estate’s approach. The familiar handwritten label is an expression of that continuity rather than an ornamental detail.

Seven grape varieties and natural drying

The blend consists of 55% Corvina and Corvinone combined, 30% Rondinella, and 15% Cabernet, Nebbiolo, Croatina and Sangiovese combined. These percentages apply to the groups, not to each individual variety. The selected grapes are arranged in wooden crates or on racks in the drying loft, where they lose moisture naturally until late January, concentrating the fruit before pressing.

Native yeasts and seven years in oak

The grapes are pressed at the end of the drying period, followed by approximately 20 days of skin contact. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts proceeds slowly for roughly 45 days. The wine then matures for about seven years in Slavonian oak casks. Further fermentation-related changes during maturation help shape a complex, dry Amarone, despite its origin in concentrated, dried fruit.

How the 2018 vintage tastes

A deep garnet colour introduces aromas of dried dark cherries, ripe red fruit, faded violets, cedar, cardamom, liquorice and spice. The 2018 vintage is notable for its silky texture, freshness and length, with fine tannins and a lingering mineral and balsamic character. Its quality has been recognised with 97 Vinous points, 96 Doctor Wine points and Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso.

Why choose the 1.5-litre Magnum?

Compared with a standard bottle, a Magnum has a different wine-to-headspace ratio and, when properly stored, may develop more gradually. It is a compelling format for cellar ageing and sharing. Serve at approximately 18–20°C, giving the wine space to open, alongside slow-braised beef, game, rich meat dishes or mature cheeses.

Analytical figures reported for the 2018 vintage include total acidity 6.05 g/L, residual sugar 2.81 g/L, dry extract 34.25 g/L and pH 3.49. 2018 vintage · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG · Veneto, Italy · 1.5 L Magnum · 16.5% ABV. Contains sulphites.