Pio Cesare Barolo Piedmont

The Pio Cesare family's unique winemaking method stresses minimal intervention to produce wines of particularly supple flavor expression. A ceaseless devotion to the individuality of each of the region's wines informs Pio Cesare's choices in the cellar: shorter maceration, separate lot fermentation, judicious selection for barrel and large cask aging, and bottling schedules determined by the ideal structure of each wine. This allows Pio Cesare to craft wines of varying weight, ageability and drinkability as determined by the vineyard rather than market fashion. Year after year, the wines of Pio Cesare are recognized for their consistency and regional expression. From world-class Barolo and Barbaresco to crisp Cortese and sweet Moscato, the wines of Pio Cesare offer exceptional quality and variety.

Winemaking: The grapes are sourced from family owned vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba (Ornato), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava), La Morra (Roncaglie) and Barolo -Novello (Ravera). The balance of the grapes comes from other exclusive vineyards owned by growers, who have been providing grapes to the Pio Cesare family for generations. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with skin contact for about 20 days. The wine is aged in mid-toasted French oak for three years: 70 percent in 20 to 50 hectoliter casks; 30 percent in barriques.

Reviews:

“Bright and complex with licorice, tar and rose petals. Hints of plums, too. Medium to full body and chewy, round tannins. Plenty of dried meat, spices, and berries. A pretty finish. Shows intensity for the vintage. Already very pretty but drink in 2020.” — 94 POINTS, James Suckling

“The 2014 Barolo shows crisp lines and sharp delineation. At its core, this cool-vintage Nebbiolo offers dark and enriched fruit that is layered between spice, grilled herb, cola, and balsam herb. These various components find very good balance and unity, yet ultimately this remains a slightly thinner and more accessible vintage overall. Bottle production is big for the appellation, with 80,000 units released.” — 93 POINTS, Wine Advocate