and more:
• Summer Case: Barbera's Zing
• Passport: Monthly Wine Club
• Wine Club For The Collector

Tradition In Montefalco

A few weeks back, IWM showcased the wines of Arnaldo Caprai, the young yet father-like figure of Sagrantino di Montefalco who has single-handedly raised the profile of the entire Montefalco zone. With only 250 acres of sagrantino vines in total, this relatively unknown wine is receiving much attention thanks to the relentless work and investment of Caprai, in addition to sagrantino?s full-bodied, rich and lush blackberry personality. For collectors who have discovered its indigenous beauty, which is only found in Umbria, the wine has become a cellar piece to complement Barolo, Brunello, Barbaresco, and Amarone.

However, behind the financially backed Caprai is a host of Montefalco artisans buried in a tradition that dates back to the early part of the 12th century. One such producer is Paolo Bea. Where Caprai represents the future of sagrantino, Bea signifies the past. He is the quintessential artisanal producer, whose tiny estate is the classic Italian fattoria. Driven by a sheer labor of love, his wines are still hand-crafted. Absent here is the industry?s industrial revolution and media prowess; more evident are the roots in the land that the Bea family established in the early 1500s.

Read on below to learn more about Paolo Bea and Montefalco di Sagrantino. Please contact Perry Porricelli at 212.473.2323 to place your order or to learn more about these and other wines of Umbria.

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The Sediment Trademark of Bea

 The 73-year-old Paolo Bea is still the guiding force behind the powerhouse wines of the estate. He shares his traditional approach with his two sons, Giuseppe, who farms the vineyards, and Giampiero, who assists in the vinification. Each bottle is numbered with an indication of the total number produced that year, and within every bottle there is a slight sediment, which is an indication of the entirely natural and organic methods of production without any fining or filtration.

1999 Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco "Pagliaro" $74.25

The jewel in the crown of Umbria. Composed exclusively of the Sagrantino grape. This signature wine from Bea has a deep, dark purple hue with a full, powerful nose of slightly raisined, dark, ripe berries. Spicy notes adorn a lively palate of blackberry, currants, cinnamon and clove. Mouth-filling yet warm and dense, this is a generous, powerful wine.

1999 Montefalco Rosso Riserva "Vigna Pipparello" $53.75

A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Sagrantino, and 25% Montepulciano. Dark ruby, with aromas of ripe blackberry which are layered with black pepper and licorice. The soft, structured palate sports a distinct streak of acidity and introduces notes of ripe morello cherry, blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and truffles. Good flesh and remarkable tannins lead into a brightly acidic finish.

2003 'Santa Chiara' Bianco $29.70

A blend of grechetto, malvasia, chardonnay, sauvignon, garganega. This complex wine has a flaxen color and a bouquet of honey and zesty citrus. Concentrated and earthy on the palate. A thick, full-bodied white with a strong mineral finish.

Click here to order the wines of Paolo Bea by fax!

Sample Paolo Bea

TIWM is offering these great examples of quality wine production from the small hilltop town of Montefalco. Experience Paolo Bea in both a six pack (2 of each) and case sampler (4 of each). This is a great way to experience the earthiness of Paolo's wines and the deep, dark magic behind Sagrantino di Montefalco.

Bea 2003 'Santa Chiara' Bianco (750ml)
Bea 1999 Montefalco Rosso Riserva (750ml)
Bea 1999 Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco (750ml)

IWM Paolo Bea Six-Pack (6) $315.40*
IWM Paolo Bea Case Sampler (12) $580.34*
*Free delivery to NYC residents

Click here to order Paolo Bea by fax!

Summer Case: Barbera's Zing

IWM is offering six great examples of Barbera in both a six pack (1 of each) and case sampler (2 of each) for your summer entertaining. This is a great way to experience the range this grape has across vintage, producer, style, and zone. Enjoy these summer reds at the bar-b-que with friends and family.

Hilberg 2000 Barbera d'Alba (750ml)
Scavino 2000 Barbera d'Alba (750ml)
Aldo Conterno 2001 Barbera d'Alba (750ml)
Bartolo Mascarello 1998 Barbera d'Alba (750ml)
La Spinetta 2001 Barbera d'Asti 'Ca di Pian' (750ml)
Clerico 2001 Barbera d'Alba (750ml)

IWM Barbera Six-Pack (6) $168.33*
IWM Barbera Case Sampler (12) $309.73*
*Free delivery to NYC residents

For additional summer wines cases, that include the frosty whites of Friuli and the ripe tropical fruit flavors from Campania's indigenous varietals, contact Robert Allen at 212.473.2323.

Click here to order your case by fax!  

Passport: IWMs' Monthly Wine Club

IWM has recently featured our wine club for the collector and this week we are sharing the "Big Guns of Italy." This is our most popular club and includes a unique selection of sophisticated wines that are ready to drink upon arrival - an ideal gift for those looking to uncork the best from Italy.

Club members will be exposed to single vineyard selections, as well as an introduction to powerhouse reds that impress so easily. So take a trip with IWM and enjoy the complexity of the Langhe and the wonders of Bolgheri's coastline with wines from the likes of Veneto's Allegrini, Piemonte's Conterno, as well as the elegance of Toscana's Avignonesi!

In addition to receiving these wines well below market value, members have other benefits. For more information about the Big Guns of Italy Passport or our other wine club levels, please contact Chris Deas at 212.334.6734.

Give the perfect gift, an IWM Wine Club. Click to explore!

A Wine Club For The Collector!

We can proudly say, there is no other. Through IWMs' Patron Wine Club, we open our cellar doors and include members in something rare and unique. Selections are not based on inventory, but rather driven by the desire to enlighten collectors and enthusiasts to the world of high quality Italian wine. Open up your palate and learn what makes these wines great.

There is no other merchant that would include the limited-production cult favorite of the South - Montevetrano; or the most collectible Barbaresco in the world - Giacosa Santo Stefano; or perhaps the great example of modern-style Barolo from the 1997 vintage - Scavino Bric del Fiasc. All have received the IWM Stamp of Excellence and are Tre Bicchieri winners and/or have received 95+ ratings from Parker.

In addition to receiving these wines well below market value, members have other benefits. For more information about Sergio's Cellar Club or our other wine club levels, please contact Chris Deas at 212.334.6734.

Give the perfect gift, an IWM Wine Club. Click to explore!