Umbria the heartland of Italy; the only region of Italy that is in fact surrounded by Italy. Its rolling hills and intermittent plains are something of an agricultural paradise. Montefalco is said to be the balcony of Umbria; an ancient hilltop fortess village. And the nearby Montefalco hills are the center of Umbrian wine tradition, with pre-Roman origins. For all of its prized olive oils and sometimes prized wines, the greatest “export” from Umbria may well be the particular theology of the Franciscan Order, founded in 13^th Century Assisi, 20 miles to the north from Montefalco.

 The Bea Family in Montefalco pre-dates the 16^th Century. For all the impact that Paolo Bea has had on the world of wine, the estate is tiny and not specifically devoted to wine.… Read the rest

October 2011

these wines scheduled for arrival here November 1-5 2011,

and listed for pre-arrival purchase now

Paolo Bea Santa Chiara Umbria Bianco 2009 ($44.95) $37 net pre-arrival special

Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2009 Santa Chiara is a totally intriguing wine. A blend of 20% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia and 20% Garganega plus other white grapes, the Santa Chiara spent 17 days on its skins in steel tanks and was fermented with ambient yeasts with no temperature control. It is a striking wine, most notably for the way it completely covers every inch of the palate with fruit. Despite its textural richness, this never comes across as heavy. Sweet peach, almond, spices and a hint of orange peel linger on the multi-dimensional, almost lush finish.… Read the rest