Vespaiola
The Wasp's Grape
Vespaiola is grown in Breganze and Veneto.
2regions it is known for
1other name
- Tastes of
- honey, apricot, citrus and almonds
- Goes with
- torcolato desserts, blue cheese and foie gras
- Also called
- Bresparola
The story
Vespaiola means 'little wasp'—the bees and wasps love this grape's sweetness at harvest. It makes Torcolato, Breganze's legendary passito dessert wine. The dried-grape wine rivals Sauternes in complexity.
Insider story
Torcolato is made by twisting ('torcolare') grape bunches to dry on the vine.
The resulting sweet wine is honeyed perfection.
Maculan is the iconic producer.
Technical deep dive
Sweet wine from dried grapes.
Apricot, honey, almond notes.
Ages 15-20+ years.
Industry secrets
Torcolato is Italy's most undervalued dessert wine after Vin Santo.
Maculan's costs €30, tastes like €100.
For collectors
Investment grade C+
- Auction records
- Maculan Acininobili occasionally appears
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Maculan
- Beato Bartolomeo
- Value picks
- Breganze Torcolato ($25-45)
- Price trend
- Stable. Undervalued.
- Collector’s tip
- Maculan Acininobili is the iconic version. Ages beautifully.