Paolo Bea 2016 Umbria Rosso San Valentino

70% Sangiovese, 15% Montepulciano, and 15% Sagrantino. Dark fruits, cherries, plums, and fresh blackberries. Earthy and full, with a wild untamed character. Great concentration, ripe tannins, rich, and heady. Long, long finish. Organic.

This wine is sourced from the San Valentino vineyard in Montefalco the soil of which is dominated by clay. The vineyard is at 1300 feet altitude. The composition of the Montefalco Rosso is 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Montepulciano, all from a 50-year old vineyard containing the constituent grapes. Harvest usually occurs in the final ten days of October. Bea puts all the dry reds through extensive cuvaison. In this instance, the wine usually macerates for approximately 30 days before being racked and prepared for the malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 3 years in stainless steel and an additional 4 to 12 months in bottle before release.