2012 Amabile del Cere

The 2012 Amabile del Cerè is flat-out stunning, boasting a seductive display of baked apple, fig paste, mint, spiced orange and hints of burnt sugar. It’s weighty and textural yet full of vibrant energy, as floral-laced peach, honey and hints of buttercream give way to candied citrus and a note of brown sugar. This is unrelenting pleasure and opulence in a glass, as layer upon layer of contrasting sweet and sour notes repeatedly thrills the senses. It lingers for well over a minute with hints of tropical fruit and florals. The Amabile del Cere uses the same mix of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Saorin as the Bianco Secco, yet it’s air-dried prior to vinification. It’s only produced in years when Quintarelli feels that the Bianco Secco is strong enough to stand on its own without the addition of the Amabile’s fruit. The 2012 should not be missed.