2016 Podere Sapaio Sapaio

Super Tuscans are included as some of the greatest red wines in the world. These iconic and extremely sought after Italian reds, with names like La Macchiole, Sassicaia, and Ornellaia, have become synonymous with the pinnacle of wine. These wines comes from Tuscany’s Bolgheri region, located in close proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea (pictured), has been termed as “the golden oasis of Tuscany.”  Only a few decades ago, it became the avant-garde that helped shake the Tuscan wine industry back to life. The tactic created by the local winemakers to produce “non-conforming” wines outside of the Italian wine laws, has proven itself to be very successful! One such wine – a Bordeaux-style red blend from vines reported to have come from first-growth Chateau Lafite-Rothschild – was created and dubbed “The Super Tuscan”! 

Today I have one of the great value Super Tuscans that’s hard core and drinks like its 4 x the price. The 2016 Podere Sapaio Sapaio is true Super Tuscan, from the heart of Super Tuscan country, Bolgheri and neighbors Sassicaia the most famous of all Super Tuscans.

Podere Sapaio was founded for wine production in the late 90s after Massimo Piccin convinced his father to invest and purchase parcels of land in Tuscany’s Bolgheri region to solely plant Bordeaux varietals. Today, this iconic winery is located among the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot vineyards planted on any terroir.  With a spirit of constant innovation and experimentation, Podere Sapaio delivers with this wine of incredible complexity, character, and longevity.

Ensuring the success of his wines, Massimo hired top Tuscan consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini to supervise production in both the vineyards and the winery. Ferrini already consults for a number of Brunello wineries including Casanova di Neri, Brancaia, Sette Ponti, and Petrolo!

The 2016 vintage is spectacular in Tuscany, one of the finest ever, 96pts by Parker’s WA and 96pts by Wine Spectator and the Sapaio is glorious in the vintage. A definite smart buy that checks them off: Great Winery; Great Winemaker; Great Vintage; Great Region; Great Neighbors and Great Price.