PODERE SAPAIO | Volpolo | Bolgheri | 2020
cabernet sauvignon | merlot | petit verdot

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Podere Sapaio was founded in 1999 by Massimo Piccin and is nestled in the famous Bolgheri region within Tuscany, Italy. Massimo’s vision was to create wines that are true to the terroir of the Bolgheri micro-region, while embracing modern winemaking techniques. His ambition has established Podere Sapaio as a notable producer of expressive Super Tuscan wines, that are highly appreciated by renown international critics.
Today we are are reviewing a genuine Super Tuscan wine blend from the famous Bolgheri sub-wine region of Toscana – Volpolo Bolgheri 2020 by Podere Sapaio. The winery is located close to the coast in the Maremma Toscana area, hidden between the hills by cypress trees and pine groves. This is the birthplace of Super Tuscan wines, which now has its own appellation. Made with the same passion and attention to detail as the flagship Sapaio, Volpolo is a masterpiece – a blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot and 15% petit verdot, sourced from the estate’s vineyards that are planted on clay and sandy loam soils.

The wine’s name emphasizes the local origin and pays homage to the Volpola grape variety that is indigenous to the Toscana region. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, but at the same time to preserve the varietal character of each grape variety and the essence of the local terroir, the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in a mixture of small french oak barriques and big tonneaux for 14 months, then matured in concrete tanks before bottling, which minimizes the influence of the oak, with additional bottle ageing time before it was deemed ready for the market release.

The Toscana wine region has long boasted an impressive reputation in the world of great wines, earning its prestige as one of the most promising and creative production areas in the world of wine as a result of a number of forward-thinking producers that experimented with international grape varieties like merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, and modern winemaking techniques like ageing in french oak.

Bolgheri’s terroir is unique, defined by its mediterranean climate, defined by mild winters and warm summers and moderated by its coastal exposure, with sunlit hillsides, and diverse soil profiles, with a mix of clay and sand, which provides excellent drainage and imparts distinct mineral qualities to the wines. Bolgheri’s proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea benefits from cooling sea breezes that mitigate extreme temperatures, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and steadily. These geological factors, combined with the proximity to the sea, create an optimal microclimate for grape growing, resulting in wines of exquisite elegance and complexity that can rival the other famous wine regions of the world, including Bordeaux.

color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine presents a deep and opaque ruby color, with hazy ruby shades at the rim, that suggest vibrancy and depth, indicative of its youthful yet concentrated nature.

intensity: rich & savory
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, this wine reveals a rich and savory profile, dominated by ripe black fruits like dark cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry and aronia. Earthy elements, such as leather, brown olive and iron, add intrigue, while spice notes of peppercorn, nutmeg, and anise blend harmoniously with those subtle, oak-derived aromas of tobacco and mocha.

sweetness: bone dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: astringent

On the palate, the wine reveals a rich, savory, and earthy expression with a firm and muscular structure. It feels bone-dry, with bright acidity and a notable touch of alcoholic warmth. The tannins are grippy, contributing to a seedy and crisp aftertaste with a slightly astringent texture, showcasing a modern Super Tuscan blend.

maturity: youthful & developing | age for another 5 to 7 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is a bold and complex wine with an expressive fruity character and youthful vigor. Though it is possible to enjoy it today, it promises greater finesse with at least 5 to 7 more years of bottle aging, marking it as a wine with great potential for cellaring.

This wine pairs beautifully with rich and savory dishes like grilled lamb with rosemary or spicy italian ragù that complement its bold structure and nuanced flavors, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Enjoy!
PODERE SAPAIO | Volpolo | Bolgheri | 2020
variety: cabernet sauvignon | merlot | petit verdot
country: Italy
region: Toscana | Bolgheri
rating: 94.7

Massimo Piccin named the winery after acquiring an 8-hectare estate in a locality called Scopaio, which inspired the project’s name. Starting from scratch with just eight hectares, the winery’s growth and success reflected Piccin’s dedication and vision to produce extraordinary wines in this unique and dynamic terooir. Bolgheri area played a significant role in the evolution of modern Super Tuscan wines and only gained DOC status in the 1980s – a long time after the region has gained international recognition and its wines were already classics that were sought-after every wine collector.

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