Quintarelli Primofiore 2004

A very late post on this wine, it is in our notes more than once or twice for that matter so here it goes...

EXPERIENCE
The cork contains the essence of the wine. Decanted the bottle after the first pour for about a hour. The nose is floral, (first time it was full of an Orchid aroma) bright and spicy. The first taste is tart, semi sweet fruit with a little spice, with a mildly dry finish. After the wine opened up the nose stayed very similar slightly softer. The balance really peaks when decanted, aromatic and smooth, full of fruit and a little olive spice. Quintessential Quintarelli!

VERDICT
GREAT VALUE - The 2004 Primofiore cost right around $48 (We found depending on when purchased it has become more expensive by a buck or two). This wine is one of value for wines for the price. To experience an "every day" drinking amarone, well, don't pass it up if you get the chance. Just decant, the wine will open up and you will not be disappointed.

FACTS
Classified IGT, and comes from Veneto. The wine is a Corvina blend, containing Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.  It is made from the first press. This is made appassimento as most of the regions Amarones are. Appassimento means to wither or dry. The grapes are set out around four to six weeks.
Here is an article, The Name, but Not the Price, about Mr. Quintarelli and his Primofiore. The legendary producer.

Peter Solva and Sohne Amistar Rosso 2004

This is another interesting offering from our friends at Italian Wine Merchants. Not for the faint-hearted (or light-walleted), this one set us back $54. 

EXPERIENCE

The cork has massive amounts of spice (the aromatic kind, not the hot kind), full of clove and earth tones. The wine shares the same aroma and the taste comes through when you swallow. There is an even texture through till the very end, with a slightly bitter finish. The wine is complex, with overtones of clove and undertones of the wooden casks that it is aged in. It softens slightly when opening up, and is much less dramatic when paired with food. Very enjoyable with pasta.

VERDICT

SHELL OUT for this wine if you want a really unique experience. This is the type of wine that you can sit and think about every time you take a drink. You just can't seem to pinpoint all of the flavors, particularly spices, that pop out at you. A few words of advice, drink this with a clear head and some time for contemplation!

FACTS

Peter Sölva & Söhne is located in the Alto Adige region in Northern Italy, specifically in the village of Kaltern. Their Amistar Rosso (IGT) is made mainly from Lagrein, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with small portions of Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot. The wine is 100% aged in wooden casks.