A blend of 60% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 25% Montepulciano, the Paolo Bea 2017 Montefalco Rosso Riserva Pipparello is full-bodied but elegant, with natural ripeness and black fruit flavors that are characteristic of this hot and dry vintage. There are lingering hints of sweetness as well in this wine that sees 42 days of skin contact during fermentation and a prolonged 22 months in large oak casks. Bea's hands-off winemaking style means that his releases are always marked by the character of the vintage. He describes this wine as "ruffiano," which in Italian somewhat translates as "ready-to-please."