2017 Podere Sapaio 'Sapaio' Bolgheri Superiore Tuscany

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  • 96 Point Bolgheri Superiore
  • From 100pt Rockstar, Carlo Ferrini
  • "Deep, Intense, Sensual"
  • "Muscular" Bolgheri Superiore
  • Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles

About the Wine

Podere Sapaio was born in 1999, after Massimo Piccin convinced his family to help him invest in the prized terroir of Bolgheri, creating a wine estate in what is one of Italy’s most famed viticultural areas. A native of Veneto, Massimo always felt a deep passion for wine and wanted to direct this passion toward his own high-quality wine project.

All of Podere Sapaio's vineyards were planted between 2000 and 2005 under the supervision of Carlo Ferrini with a density of about 7500 plants per hectare and utilizing wooden trellising. The training is double cordon at 45-50 cm from the ground, allowing the vines to maintain a healthy balance between leaves and fruit

Tuscany native Carlo Ferrini is an internationally famous wine expert and winemaker. Podere Sapaio has been a great success story in Bolgheri, with the Volpolo wine landing on the Wine Spectator list of Top 100 in 2014 and 2015, two years in a row! A stellar example of Tuscany’s ability to make its own magic with traditional Bordeaux grapes, Volpolo’s dark fruits, minerals, and herbs finish in the mouth with smooth and elegant tannins.

Aging: 18 months in barriques

Tasting Notes: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Ruby red in color with light purple hues, complex aromas of wild berries, violets, spice, and a so note of oak provided by barrique aging. It is a full-bodied, rich, and velvety wine.

Reviews

~96 Luca Maroni, I Migliori Vini Italiani

Deep, intense, sensual, and incandescent the main profile of this young red made in Bolgheri. The scents of black plums blend with notes of blackberries, sweet licorice, wild strawberries, juniper berries, and guarana. In the background, the tangerine peel and nutmeg give complexity in the background. Full body, slightly rigid tannins at the moment, and a solid and compact finish that will come out in relaxation over time. Better from 2022. ~95 WinesCritic.com

Sapaio is a blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot. Its muscular reputation put it in danger in 2017, however it shows a better balance than usual considering the vintage conditions. Crimson in color, it is restrained on the nose with youthful, almost estery fruit, elegant, vinous, and balsamic. The tight yet ripe palate displays grainy tannins and integrated acidity. The toasty finish completes a very good picture indeed in 2017. ~94 Decanter

Aromas of blueberries and slate follow through to a medium body with nicely integrated tannins and a cool, fresh finish. Drinkable now, but better in 2021. ~93 James Suckling

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