Grape Variety
Vespaiola
“The Wasp's Grape”
Vespaiola is a white wine grape grown in Breganze, Veneto — known as “the Wasp's Grape”.
Vespaiola at a glance
| Color | White |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Bresparola |
| Signature flavors | Honey, Apricot, Citrus, Almonds, White Flowers, Spice, Stone Fruit |
| Classic pairings | Torcolato desserts, Blue cheese, Foie gras, Nut tarts |
| Where it grows | Breganze, Veneto |
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.
Collector’s Corner
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.
Updated March 2026
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