Paolo Bea 'Pipparello' Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2017

The Riserva from Pipparello Vineyard, perched atop Montefalco at 1,300 feet, is perhaps the most distinguished in the lineup. The vines, averaging 20 years old, are dedicated to Umbria's key red varietals: Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Montepulciano. The 2016 blend consists of 60% Sangiovese, 25% Montepulciano, and 15% Sagrantino, aged for one year in stainless steel tanks, followed by two years in mostly neutral large oak casks, and an additional year in the bottle. Despite this extensive aging, the wine has excellent cellaring potential and will become even more complex over time. For now, decanting is recommended to fully release its savory, mineral, and earthy notes, pairing beautifully with equally savory and earthy dishes.