Vespaiola is a white grape varietal native to the Veneto region of Italy. It is most commonly used in the production of sweet wines, particularly those made in the Breganze DOC. The grape’s name, which translates as 'little wasp', relates to the insects' attraction to the grapes' high sugar content.
Vespaiola wines often have a bright yellow color and exhibit complex aromatic profiles, typically featuring notes of honey, apricot, candied fruit, and sometimes even hints of spice. Despite their sweetness, these wines also tend to have a balancing acidity. Vespaiola wines can be consumed young, but they also have a good potential for aging.
In Breganze, Vespaiola is used to make a traditional dessert wine called Torcolato. The grapes are traditionally hung up to dry for several months during the winter before being fermented, a process that concentrates the sugar and flavors in the grapes, resulting in a rich and honeyed sweet wine.
