Paolo Bea Pagliaro Secco Montefalco Sagrantino 2011

The Bea family have been making wine in Umbria since the 1500's and are so interwoven with the character of the region that their blood practically runs through the vines themselves. Giampiero and Giuseppe Bea largely run the show at Bea today, though their father Paolo is still omnipresent in his beloved vineyards. It's hard to convey what makes these wines as special as they are. Many think of Sagrantino as a tough, hard-nosed variety. It certainly can be, and it is often cited for its fierce tannins and piercing acidity. Even when Sagrantino is handled gently, as it is in the Bea cellars, these characteristics are still firmly present, though they do not fully define these wines. Bea's versions are a study in refined rusticity, shining examples of wines structured for the long haul. They are powerful in expression, immeasurably complex and immensely appealing, with a style and grace reserved for the truly great. These are emotional, contemplative wines that will appeal to your deepest, most primal senses of taste and smell. Although the Bea reds have a proven track record of developing and improving comfortably over decades, they are also wonderful companions even in their relative youth at the table with an extended decanting. This is 100% Sagrantino from the high-elevation (1,000+ feet) Pagliaro vineyard in the heart of Montefalco. This is the flagship wine of the Bea stable, a gorgeous, brooding beauty that is a must for any lover of age worthy Italian reds. This wine sees a lengthy maceration period before undergoing a year of aging in stainless steel tanks, a further two years in large Slavonian oak casks and a final year in bottle before release. A patiently crafted wine, as clear and unique an expression of terroir as you'll find anywhere in Italy.andnbsp;

Save