The 2012 Giuseppe Quintarelli Amabile del Cere Passito Bianco is a proprietary blend white wine from the Veneto region of Italy. This vintage encapsulates a mix of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Saorin grapes, which undergo an air-drying process prior to vinification. This meticulous method is only employed in years when the producer, Giuseppe Quintarelli, deems the Bianco Secco sufficiently robust to stand alone without the addition of the Amabile’s fruit.
Vinous awarded this wine an impressive score of 94, describing it as "flat-out stunning." The 2012 Amabile del Cere offers a complex array of flavors, including "baked apple, fig paste, mint, spiced orange and hints of burnt sugar." The wine is noted for its rich texture and vibrant energy, a combination that creates an indulgent sensory experience. The tasting notes highlight its "floral-laced peach, honey and hints of buttercream," which transition into "candied citrus and a note of brown sugar."
The review from Vinous emphasizes the wine's capacity to provide "unrelenting pleasure and opulence in a glass," with layers of contrasting sweet and sour notes that keep the palate engaged. The finish is notably long-lasting, with lingering hints of tropical fruit and florals that persist for over a minute. This blend showcases a balance of weight and vibrancy, ensuring that each sip is as captivating as the last.
The 2012 vintage is not just a wine but an experience, offering a depth of flavor and a lasting impression that stands out even in the esteemed lineup of Giuseppe Quintarelli's offerings. As Vinous succinctly puts it, "The 2012 should not be missed." This wine, sealed with a traditional cork and boasting an alcohol content of 14.0%, is a remarkable representation of the winemaker’s craft and the unique terroir of Veneto.