“Sapaio” Rosso Toscana IGT 2020 (BIO) · 6 bottles in OWC

Podere Sapaio | Tuscany
Podere Sapaio | Loc. Lo Scopaio 212 | IT 57022 Castagneto Carducci

09902220 · 4,5 l · 107,56 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available

In the early hours of the morning, when the Maestrale is still gently caressing the hills between Bolgheri and Bibbona and the first light kisses the red earth, the true essence of what Massimo Piccin has been moulding as his life's work for over two decades is revealed. Sapaio – named after the ancient Tuscan grape variety Sapaia – is more than just a wine. It is the manifesto of a visionary who came here in 1999 as a Venetian engineer and created a kingdom of the senses from eight hectares of bare earth. The name bears a crown as a logo, a tribute to the nobility of wine and the daily devotion of those who leave their souls between the vines and barrels. Since 2015, Sapaio has deliberately been labelled Toscana IGT, not out of embarrassment but out of conviction: Because the best grapes grow beyond the administrative borders of Bolgheri, in Bibbona, where ferruginous red clay soils give a minerality that no decree in the world can duplicate.

Sapaio 2020 is dark purple in colour with an almost impenetrable depth. The bouquet unfolds in layers: Blackberries and dried cherries dominate at first, followed by aromas of tar and leather, enveloped by the sweet spice of Mediterranean scrub and a hint of cedar wood. Cocoa and nutmeg complete the olfactory kaleidoscope. The true greatness of the vintage is revealed on the palate: powerful yet silky elegance, with a vibrant freshness that belies the warm coastal climate. The tannins are remarkably fine, like a net of Tuscan silk supporting the concentrated dark fruit. Sapaio wants to be discovered, experienced and celebrated for what it is: a contemporary classic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Finely characterised nose with notes of blackberries and cassis, some cedar wood, fine spice. Shows a lot of present fruit on the palate, cassis and blackberry, opens up with dense tannins, firm pressure." Falstaff

"Dark, floral and rich, the 2020 Sapaio opens with an intense burst of crushed blackberry and cherry accompanied by savoury herbs. It is soothingly round, with cooling acidity and a core of tart raspberry fruit that saturates towards the end. The finish is firm and tannic, while rosy, floral notes resonate over a hint of tart cranberry. Be patient with the 2020, as there is a lot going on beneath the surface." Vinous

"Reductive and restrained on the nose, with green pepper, violets and cassis infused with spice, it leads to a full, dense, extracted and fierce palate with almost dusty tannins. The wine is savoury, but above all very fresh, pithy and dynamic. The finish is still a little austere and needs more bottle ageing, but it deserves attention in the long term." Decanter

"Impressive depth with lots of dark cherries, black pepper, cocoa powder, roasted red pepper and grilled herbs on the nose. Full-bodied and intense on the palate with lots of silty tannins that meld with the dark fruits and fine spices. Long-lasting and very fine-grained. This wine should drink well over the next ten years." James Suckling

"The Podere Sapaio 2020 Sapaio needs a few moments in the glass before the wine starts to sing. You get a full bouquet that includes ripe fruit, balanced spices, sweet cinnamon, cloves and an earthy note of minerals or gravel. The fruit generously coats the palate with depth, firm structure, integrated tannins and further layers of dark fruit that unfold over time." Wine Advocate

"Rich, supple and expressive, with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, violets, minerals and spices. This red wine builds on the palate to a saturated finish, with lively acidity and civilised tannins. It shows lovely balance and length, even if it is still a little compact at the end." Wine Spectator