Montefalco Sagrantino Pagliaro, Paolo Bea, Umbria 2017

Azienda Agricola Paolo Bea, Montefalco 

“Arboreus” is made from a Trebbiano clone known as Trebbiano Spoletino which is trained so that the fruit hangs high above the ground. The vineyards are planted in the low hills between Trevi and Montefalco at an elevation of 650 to 700 feet with a range of parcels facing both to the east and to the southwest. The soil is essentially clay and gravel. Harvest generally occurs during the first two weeks of October. The wine is left in contact with the skins for up to three weeks or more and is then aged in stainless steel tanks for at least two years prior to bottling. Sulfur is never added. Annual production is in the range of 3000 bottles.

42 days macerating on the skins

“unbelievably pretty” or “sweetly scented and finessed”, but that’s exactly what the 2017 Montefalco Sagrantino Pagliaro is in the glass. This is a veritable spice box on the nose, mixed with masses of dried flowers and exotic spices. Its textures are pure silk, showing a refinement not often found at this early stage in the wine’s development. Dark red fruit melds with their mineral underpinnings to create an impression of total elegance. The mentholated finale leaves a subtle layer of fine tannins to mingle with hints of blackberry and currant, as the wine finishes long yet lively and fresh. 

Grape: 100% Sagrantino

biodynamic