Primofiore 2023

Located in the Valpolicella hills, north of Verona, the Giuseppe Quintarelli estate cultivates Primofiore vines on well-exposed slopes at medium altitudes, benefiting from a temperate climate due to the proximity of Lake Garda. The soils, predominantly limestone and clay-loam, offer natural drainage and good water retention, allowing for slow and consistent ripening of the grapes. This hilly terroir, combining old vines and newer plots, produces a wine that precisely expresses the classic character of Valpolicella Classica.

The grapes are hand-picked at perfect ripeness, carefully sorted, then destemmed before traditional fermentation in vats, with long macerations aimed at gently extracting color and structure. Malolactic fermentation then occurs naturally. The wine is aged for several years in large Slavonian oak barrels, allowing for slow oxygenation and harmonious refinement of the tannins, while preserving the freshness and aromatic expression typical of the house style.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry, ripe black fruits, and plum, complemented by delicate floral touches, spicy nuances of pepper and licorice, and a light herbaceous register reminiscent of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, the texture is supple and juicy, supported by vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and a persistent, fresh, and slightly saline finish that highlights the elegance of the Quintarelli style.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!