The Nebbiolo for this Barolo was sourced from a number of family-owned vineyards: Ornato in Serralunga d’Alba, Gustava in Grinzane Cavour, Roncaglie at La Morra, and Ravera in Barolo-Novello. The balance of the grapes comes from growers the Cesare family has worked with for years.

The fruit was fermented in stainless steel tanks (up to one month of skin contact), then the wine was transferred to French oak (the majority in 20 to 50 hectolitre casks, the remainder in smaller barriques) where it matured for three years.

Pio Cesare produces classic Barolo at a very high level. That expertise is apparent in the wine’s structure, harmony, gentle tannins, and balanced fruit. It is immediately approachable, but with very long ageing potential.

“Very primary fruit with beautiful aromas of peaches, strawberries, berries and flowers. It’s medium- to full-bodied, with bitter citrus, cedar, chocolate and coffee bean character. Tight at the end. From five villages, primarily Serralunga, Monforte, La Morra, Grinzane Cavour, and Novello. Needs two or three years to open and will age for a very long time.”
97 points, James Suckling, January 2024