# Paolo Bea Santa Chiara Umbria Bianco (2021)

- **Producer:** Azienda Agricola Paolo Bea
- **Colour:** orange
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grechetto, Malvasia, Garganega, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Umbria, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €65
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, apricot, ginger, orange, cedar, dried apricot

## About this wine

The Bea family has been rooted in Montefalco since at least 1500, operating a traditional 15-hectare self-sustaining farm with vineyards, olive groves, and livestock. Led by Giampiero Bea, the estate is a benchmark for natural winemaking in Umbria. Long before orange wine became popular globally, the family was producing traditional white field blends macerated on skins. Santa Chiara originates from the Pagliaro vineyard at 400 meters elevation, planted with mixed white varieties on clay and gravel soils.

## Interesting facts

- The Bea family's presence in Montefalco is documented as far back as the year 1500.
- The 2021 vintage underwent 28 days of skin contact, five days longer than the estate's average.
- The estate operates as a self-sustaining farm with only 5 of its 15 hectares dedicated to vines.

## Food pairing

The structural complexity, gentle skin tannins, and vibrant acidity of this orange wine allow it to pair across both white and red wine spectrums. Rich umami flavors, roasted poultry, earthy truffle dishes, and aged mountain cheeses complement its concentration.

## Wine making process

Harvested by hand, the grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts in small stainless steel tanks. In 2021, the juice macerated on its skins for 28 days. Two rackings are performed early in fermentation to remove heavy lees, followed by a third after three weeks. The wine ages on fine lees in stainless steel for 12 to 20 months before bottling. It is produced with zero added sulfur, without fining or filtration.