Overview
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.
Tasting Notes
This vintage has extraordinary elegance, complexity and character. Silky and intense bouquet. Full body, great structure, right tannins, incredible ageing potential, precise and classic Nebbiolo style. The wine has sweet and very elegant tannins.
Harvest Notes
There were no water stress issues due to the abundant reserves which had been built up during winter and spring. The winter was milder than average, June began with wet weather and July was warm followed by a mild month of August. The Nebbiolo was harvested from the 25th of September to the 5th of October.
Press
Wine & Spirits 90 POINTS
December 1, 2016, Stephanie Johnson
“Notes of vanilla and clove, picked up from three years of aging in French oak casks, enrich this wine’s red cherry flavors and scents of rose petal and bay leaf. Bright acidity knits the flavors together, giving a mouthwatering freshness that balances the oak-driven flavors. Pleasant now, it will be better in two or three years.”
Wine Spectator 92 POINTS
September 1, 2016, Bruce Sanderson
“Cherry, menthol, leather and earth aromas and flavors mark this meaty red. Dense and firm, with a solid matrix of tannins. Finds balance and lingers. Be patient with this. Best from 2019 through 2033.”
The Wine Advocate 94 POINTS
June 1, 2016, Monica Larner
“Pio Cesare has produced a small miracle with the 2012 Barolo. In a vintage that saw many nondescript wines, this Nebbiolo is bursting with energy and personality. The bouquet opens to an exciting sense of freshness with bright cherry and wild berry at the forefront. You also get balsam herb and mint, with cola and licorice in generous supply at the back. The wine should evolve slowly over the next ten years. Hats off to Pio Cesare for creating a standout base Barolo in 2012. I apologize in advanced for referring to this wine as a “base” Barolo, as I know this is something that the folks at Pio Cesare fight hard to discourage. Perhaps the word “classic” is more appropriate, as the wine offers the crisp and clean wines that are characteristic of traditional Barolo.”
JamesSuckling.com 95 POINTS
March 11, 2016, James Suckling
“This is a young Barolo that builds on the palate with super silky tannins and fantastic pure and delicious fruit. Hints of hazelnut, plum and dark berry character. Full and polished tannins. Better in 2019 but so delicious now.”
Varietals: 100% Nebbiolo
Wine Alcohol: 13.5%