93 pts Vinous
Drinking Window 2025 - 2034
The 2017 Rosso San Valentino is an exotic beauty, mixing hints of blood orange with wild berries and balsam herbs. It washes across the palate with silky textures and polished red and black fruits that leave a staining of minerals, all nicely balanced by a twang of zesty citrus. It finishes lightly structured and incredibly long; a hint of primary concentration creates a cheek-puckering sensation. I would never guess this was the product of such a warm and dry vintage. The 2017 is a spectacular San Valentino. It is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Montepulciano and 15% Sagrantino"

Vinous Media, August 2024:
Unfortunately, 2024 has been a very difficult year for the Bea family, with the passing of Paolo Bea in January, followed by his son Giuseppe just a few months later. Umbria and the wine world have lost two emblems. Despite the tragedy, the estate remains an icon of the region, with a portfolio exceeding expectations yearly. While Giampiero Bea, Paolo’s other son, has been the international face and soul of the winery who will continue to carry the torch, Giuseppe was the man behind the scenes in the vineyards and winery. This year's visit focused on the 2019s, a year that started with a lot of humidity followed by an extremely warm summer. However, Bea believes that the harvest was extremely healthy, requiring longer fermentations to compensate for the ripe fruit. The 2019s are a welcome return to Bea’s expectations, following the arid and hot 2017 and wet and cooler 2018 vintages. These wines are powerful yet balanced, soulful and elegant in the Bea style. I especially love the Arboreus, a varietal Trebbiano Spoletino from vines interplanted with fruit trees. Often overlooked by consumers, this wine is ideal for meditation and matures remarkably well. The entry-level, high-energy Rosso San Valentino, 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Montepulciano, is also worth seeking out. The 2019 is one of the most exciting vintages of the San Valentino to date, performing now at an elevated level. Notwithstanding increased prices in recent years, this is still a great value for a Paolo Bea experience. Sadly, the winery suffered huge losses in 2023 due to peronospora in the spring, which may impact the production of the vintage. - By Eric Guido on August 2024

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.