Paolo Bea Santa Chiara Umbria Bianco 2021

Paolo Bea Santa Chiara Umbria Bianco 2021

Paolo Bea
$64.00

Grape: Grechetto, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Garganega
Vintage: 2021
Type: White

Located in Montefalco, this renowned estate focuses on traditional, natural winemaking methods, creating what they call "liquid art." The 2021 vintage continues this philosophy, sourced from the elevated "Pagliaro" vineyard, 1300 feet above sea level. The wine is a blend of 50% Grechetto, and the rest of the blend equal proportions of Malvasia, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Garganega. The crushed juice spends a minimum of two weeks macerating on its lees, and sulfur is never added during the process. Fermentation takes place in small stainless steel vats at low temperatures. The wine undergoes two early rackings to remove heavy deposits, followed by a third after three weeks, and is then left on the fine lees in stainless steel for one full year before bottling.

 

Paolo Bea is one of the great reference points for traditional, natural-minded wine in Umbria. Based in Montefalco, the Bea family farms Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and local white varieties with a deep respect for mixed agriculture and the rhythms of the farm. The wines are fermented spontaneously, often macerated for long periods, bottled without filtration and released only when they feel ready. They can be powerful, tannic and uncompromising, but they also carry warmth, honesty and a profound connection to place. Bea's wines are not designed to flatter quickly; they ask the drinker to meet them on their own terms.