Podere Sapaio was launched in 1999 when Massimo Piccini convinced his father to invest in land in the Bolgheri DOC, in Livorno. Piccini was able to acquire nearly 75 acres of vineyards, and built a modern winery. The estate grows primarily the Bordeaux grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and makes Bordeaux-inspired blends with an Italian flair. Gambero Rosso has awarded the estate’s wines numerous 3 Glass awards, the highest the journal gives. Gambero Rosso has called Podere Sapaio “a benchmark for the area, thanks to the genuine passion that drove (Piccini’s) absolute commitment to the enterprise.”