Viniou Reviews
Podere Sapaio’s Volpolo 2022 is a refined red wine from the Bolgheri DOC in Tuscany, Italy. Crafted as a blend, typically featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, this cuvée showcases the Super Tuscan spirit for which Bolgheri has become renowned. The 2022 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, yielding grapes with excellent ripeness and vibrancy. Vineyards rest on a mosaic of sandy-clay soils with pebbles and ample drainage, encouraging the development of concentrated berries. Winemaking at Podere Sapaio is meticulous: after careful sorting, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel and are then matured in French oak barriques, gaining depth and structure without overpowering the wine’s innate elegance. Volpolo 2022 expresses a deep ruby colour, offering aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle spice. The palate is supple yet structured, with fine-grained tannins and a lingering, mineral finish.
The Bolgheri DOC, nestled along Tuscany’s Tyrrhenian coast, enjoys a distinctly maritime climate. Warm days and cool sea breezes slow ripening, preserving fragrance and freshness in the grapes. Here, soils are diverse but often layered with alluvial deposits, sand, and gravel, which help produce powerful yet balanced reds. Bolgheri was once better known for orchards than wine, but since the 1970s, it has become a beacon for Bordeaux-style blends. Today, it stands at the vanguard of modern Italian winemaking, producing wines with international acclaim.
A wine like Volpolo calls for generous, flavourful dishes. Its structure and dark fruit profile make it a natural partner for classic Tuscan fare such as wild boar ragù, grilled Florentine steak, or pappardelle with rich meat sauces. It also pairs well with hard cheeses like pecorino stagionato or Italian charcuterie. More globally, roasted lamb or braised beef will complement the wine’s depth.
To best appreciate Volpolo 2022, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour is recommended to gently open its aromatic complexity and soften the tannins. Enjoy over the next five to eight years for optimal balance between youthful vitality and evolving tertiary nuances.
