Paolo Bea San Valentino 2018

Paolo Bea San Valentino 2018

93 pts Vinous
Darkly floral and earthy upon opening, the 2018 Rosso San Valentino slowly evolves with hints of crushed ashen stone and dusty dried flowers giving way to crushed black raspberries. The palate dials the energy up high, sleek and racy with vibrant red berry fruits accentuated by rosy inner florals and touches of citrus. It finishes with tremendous length, a licorice tinge, and a coating of fine tannins, framing the experience remarkably well. This is a Rosso San Valentino that will excel upon release but also through medium-term cellaring. - By Eric Guido on July 2023

This wine is sourced from the San Valentino vineyard in Montefalco the soil of which is dominated by clay. The vineyard is at 1300 feet altitude. Harvest usually occurs in the final ten days of October. Bea puts all the dry reds through extensive cuvaison. In this instance, the wine usually macerates for approximately 30 days before being racked and prepared for the malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 3 years in stainless steel and an additional 4 to 12 months in bottle before release.