August 6, 2010

Natural Instincts: Paolo Bea
Bea has stood firmly behind this "natural" motto in his winemaking ever since establishing his namesake estate in 1980. This organic approach is reflected in every hand-crafted wine at the family-run winery. Now in his early 70s, Paolo still runs the winery but has shared his craft with sons, Giuseppe and Giampiero, who both assist him in the cellar.

Paolo Bea Bianco Santa Chiara 2008 750ml

Bored of Chardonnay, looking for another white with substance? This is for the adventurous white wine drinker looking for a new experience. While not as radical or extreme as the recent releases of Friuli's Gravner and Radikon, this organic wine does fall into the category of esoteric whites. In fact, if you had the opportunity to experience the Coenubium, you will appreciate this wine immensely. A blend of Grechetto, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Garganega. This complex wine has a flaxen color and a bouquet of honey and zesty citrus. Concentrated and earthy on the palate. A thick, full-bodied white with a strong mineral finish.

Quantity	Price
1 – 11	HK$470.00
12 +	HK$432.40

Paolo Bea Umbria Rosso Vigna San Valentino 2006 750ml

The 2006 vintage produced a dry and harmonic wine. Interestingly, the DOC tasting panel decided Bea’s wine shouldn’t bear the DOC Montefalco wine, stating it was not deep enough in color. As a result, his wine is called “Umbria Rosso” and does not bear the "Montefalco" name. A blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Sagrantino, this Rosso undergoes 40 days of fermentation and maceration before aging for 12 months in stainless steel, 24 months in large oak barrels and another year in bottle before release.

Quantity	Price
1 – 11	HK$288.00
12 +	HK$264.96

Paolo Bea Sagrantino di Montefalco Pagliaro 2005

The jewel in the crown of Umbria, composed exclusively of Sagrantino grapes left to macerate for an incredible 48 days (that even surpasses the great Barolos of Monfortino and Monprivato). This signature wine from Bea has a deep, dark purple hue with a full, powerful nose of slightly raisined dark berries and smoke. Spicy notes adorn a lively palate of blackberry, currants, cinnamon, and clove. Mouth-filling yet warm and dense, this is a wonderfully smooth wine with tannins that are at once subtle and strong.

Quantity	Price
1 – 11	HK$788.00
12 +	HK$724.96

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