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Paolo Bea Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED ITALIAN WINERIES
Last updated: November 25, 2023
Winery Overview
Located in the beautiful hill-topped village of “Montefalco” in dreamy Umbria, the Paolo Bea Winery estate is one of Italy’s finest. With an unshakable commitment to the terroir and old-fashioned techniques, the boutique wine estate is known for its expressive, organic wines. Owner Paolo Bea is passionate about preserving the region’s unique personality and climate, and the mineral character of Montefalco’s soils is lovingly shepherded into each bottle of wine.
While Sagrantino has been grown for wines for centuries in Umbria’s pretty hills, there are also some theories as to its ancient origin. Some say the invading Saracens brought it, while others say it originated in Spain. At any rate, the DOCG (highest level of quality control) for the Sagrantino is spread out today over a stunning part of the world- in the Umbrian communes of Montefalco, Bevagna, Castel Rinaldi, Giano dell’ Umbria, and Gualdo Cattaneo.
The winery traces its history in Montefalco back to the 16th century, and in many ways, it continues to follow ancient traditions. Paolo Bea is staunchly artisanal, with much of the work (including all of the harvesting) done by hand (like in most Italian wineries) and without the aid of modern technology. Made organically without pesticides or herbicides, the wines are robust and complex. Unfiltered, their slight sediment content only serves to enhance their rustic nature.
Paolo Bea’s flagship wine is the Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco from the Pagliaro vineyard. It is a fleshy, jewel-toned red, a dense wine that often expresses spicy cinnamon notes or jammy blackberry notes. Also highly acclaimed is the Montefalco Rosso Riserva from the Vigna Pipparello vineyard. With softer tannins and a brighter feel, this well-structured wine features notes of licorice, chocolate, and cherries. One of the most cherished wines for true Italian wine lovers is the Paolo Bea Sagrantino Passito. The Passito style of winemaking (it’s a sweetie) is the traditional ancient way Sagrantino was made.
Wines produced
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Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
100% Sagrantino; 14.6% Alcohol; Aged first in steel, then 12 months in large oak barrels and 12 months in bottle. -
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, passito
100% Sagrantino; 15% Alcohol; Aged 60 months in steel (containers changed annually to decant the wine), then aged in the bottle. This late-harvest wine is made with raisins. -
Montefalco DOC Rosso
70% Sangiovese, 20% Montepulciano, 10% Sagrantino; 13.5% Alcohol; Aged 24 months in steel, then 4 months in bottle. -
Montefalco DOC Rosso Riserva
Blend of 60% Sangiovese, 25% Montepulciano,15% Sagrantino; 13.4% Alcohol; 18 months in steel, 12 months in large 20 hectoliter oak barrels and 10 months minimum in bottle. -
Santa Chiara Bianco
Blend of Grechetto, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Garganega.
Winery Contact Details
Paolo Bea
Via Cerrete, 806036 Montefalco (PG)
Italy
Email: [email protected]
Tel +39 0742 378128
Fax +39 0742 371070 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Montefalco DOC
Founded
1500s
Area under Vine
15 hectares
Age of vines
Oak barrel origin
Winemaker
Paolo Bea and family
Owner
Paolo Bea and family (sons Giuseppe and Giampiero)
Production
20,000 bottles
Grape varietals
Sagrantino, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Grechetto, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Garganega
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
Find out more -
Garganega
Discover Garganega Wines: From Sweet Elegance to Vivacious Dry Delights | Explore the Complexity of This Exceptional Grape
Find out more -
Grechetto
Grechetto is a white grape variety native to the central regions of Italy, particularly Umbria, and is used to make a range of wines
Find out more -
Malvasia
Malvasia Bianca, a historical grape from Greece, now thrives in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, producing unique sweet wines.
Find out more -
Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties.
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Montepulciano
Unlocking Montepulciano: Italy's Unsung Red Grape Hero with a Refined Twist. Explore the complex flavors and potential of this underrated gem
Find out more -
Sagrantino
Sagrantino is a grape native to Umbria, Italy, primarily cultivated around Montefalco. With origins dating back to the late 16th century as a communion wine, Sagrantino was historically used for sweet passito wines. Since the 1970s, it has been primarily produced as a dry, highly tannic wine, known for its inky purple color and robust bouquet with dark fruit, plum, and earthy notes. It ripens late and is known for its high tannin content.
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Sangiovese
Unearthing Sangiovese: Italy's Ancient Grape with a Complex History. Explore its journey from Etruscans to modern-day excellence.
Find out more
Winery Appellations
Author
Further Reading: Discover More Related Blog Content
More information
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