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Paolo Bea Winery Guide

Cellar Tours Insight — Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.

Winery Overview

Located in the beautiful hill-topped village of “Montefalco” in dreamy Umbria, the Paolo Bea Winery estate is one of Italy’s finest. With an unshakable commitment to the terroir and old-fashioned techniques, the boutique wine estate is known for its expressive, organic wines. Owner Paolo Bea is passionate about preserving the region’s unique personality and climate, and the mineral character of Montefalco’s soils is lovingly shepherded into each bottle of wine.

While Sagrantino has been grown for wines for centuries in Umbria’s pretty hills, there are also some theories as to its ancient origin. Some say the invading Saracens brought it, while others say it originated in Spain. At any rate, the DOCG (highest level of quality control) for the Sagrantino is spread out today over a stunning part of the world- in the Umbrian communes of Montefalco, Bevagna, Castel Rinaldi, Giano dell’ Umbria, and Gualdo Cattaneo.

The winery traces its history in Montefalco back to the 16th century, and in many ways, it continues to follow ancient traditions. Paolo Bea is staunchly artisanal, with much of the work (including all of the harvesting) done by hand (like in most Italian wineries) and without the aid of modern technology. Made organically without pesticides or herbicides, the wines are robust and complex. Unfiltered, their slight sediment content only serves to enhance their rustic nature.

Paolo Bea’s flagship wine is the Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco from the Pagliaro vineyard. It is a fleshy, jewel-toned red, a dense wine that often expresses spicy cinnamon notes or jammy blackberry notes. Also highly acclaimed is the Montefalco Rosso Riserva from the Vigna Pipparello vineyard. With softer tannins and a brighter feel, this well-structured wine features notes of licorice, chocolate, and cherries. One of the most cherished wines for true Italian wine lovers is the Paolo Bea Sagrantino Passito. The Passito style of winemaking (it’s a sweetie) is the traditional ancient way Sagrantino was made.

Umbria Wine Tour

Umbria Wine Tour

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Author

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Genevieve Mc Carthy

Genevieve, originally from San Diego, California, has spent the last 25 years living in Europe, primarily in Spain, Ireland, and Italy. She has a background in the wine industry, having worked for a top wine importer in Ireland and a prestigious winery in Italy's Franciacorta region. In 2003, Genevieve founded Cellar Tours, a boutique wine tours company based in Madrid, Spain. She holds wine education credentials from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London and has a strong network within the European wine industry. Genevieve's specializes in organizing VIP tours to exclusive wineries that are not accessible to the general public. With a passion for food and wine, fluency in multiple languages, and expertise in luxury travel and tourism, Genevieve has built a successful career in creating unique wine experiences.

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