Quintarelli Alzero 1998 is an appassimento-style wine made from Bordeaux grape varieties by the estate of the legendary Giuseppe Quintarelli in the Valpolicella region of Veneto. Produced in the same style as Quintarelli`s prized Amarone, the sought-after Alzero uses Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Cabernet Franc (40%) and Merlot (20%) grapes which are air-dried for around three months before undergoing fermentation. The wine is then matured for around the same amount of time as the estate`s Amarone, first in French oak, then in larger Slavonian oak casks. "Quintarelli`s Alzero is one of Italy`s most unique, compelling wines, particularly in top vintages, in which it can be utterly mind-blowing. Alzero is most Cabernet Franc, with a dollop of Merlot, made Amarone-style. The 1998 reveals compelling layers of ripe dark fruit, sweet herbs, chocolate and spices that gradually unfurl in the glass. The wine possesses gorgeous length and balance." Antonio Galloni