This tiny estate is the classic Italian fattoria, producing wine, raising farm animals for trade and home consumption and working the land to produce olives, fruits and vegetables. To this day, the Bea family raises and produces much of what they consume on a daily basis. Paolo Bea, the senior member of the family, is the guiding force behind the production of this series of intense and idiosyncratic wines. He is assisted by his two sons, Giuseppe, who farms the vineyards, and Giampiero, who assists in the vinification and is responsible for all commercial aspects of the winery.  “San Valentino” comes partly from young vines (a dozen years old or younger) which Bea sees as not quite ready for prime time in one of his crus, and partly from 40- to 50-year-old vines from parcels not destined for inclusion in the crus.

Pairing: Braised meats 

Grapes: 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Montepulciano

Soil: Clay

Viticulture: Organic with some biodynamic practices