Paolo Bea, San Valentino, Umbria Rosso IGT, Umbria, Italy 2017

70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Montepulciano, all from a 50-year old vines.

Well-balanced even when approaching 15% alcohol, its exuberant nose is often a maelstrom of Indian spice, black fruits, and sandalwood, with a subtle yet crucial note of volatility — a classic Bea signature — adding lift to the primordial funk.

The San Valentino is sourced from the vineyard of the same name in Montefalco. The soil is dominated by clay, and the vineyard is at 1300 feet altitude. Harvest usually occurs in the final ten days of October. The wine usually macerates for approximately 30 days before being racked and prepared for the malolactic fermentation. It is aged for 3 years in stainless steel and an additional 4 to 12 months in bottle before release.