The Barolos of Serralunga d’Alba have a bit of a reputation. The region is held in high regard for rich, intense, structured Barolo. Pio Cesare’s single-vineyard Barolo comes from three plots in the family’s Ornato Estate, one of Barolo’s top vineyards, in the western part of the commune. The fruit is exceptionally ripe, and consistently produces bright, robust, focused wines with incredible complexity and length.

Grapes were fermented in stainless steel with skin contact for 15 days, then left to macerate on skins for 30 days. The wine aged in medium-toast French oak for 30 months (the majority in new barriques, the remainder in 25 hectolitre casks). This is a deep, powerful wine – age-worthy Nebbiolo of the highest order. It is completely reasonable to suggest that its prime drinking window is two decades from now.

“A juicy and fruity wine with round and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Complex aromas of oyster shells, terra cotta and tar. It’s medium- to full-bodied with tension and well-formed muscles, but always in balance and harmony. Very long aftertaste. Clearly a great wine. Drink after 2028.”
98 points, James Suckling, August 2024

“From the historic slopes of Serralunga d’Alba’s Cascina Ornato, where Pio Cesare’s single vineyard journey began in 1985, emerges a titan of Barolo. Like an ancient tale told in hushed tones, this powerhouse unfolds with brooding dark fruits while star anise and juniper berries weave their spicy narrative through waves of dried black currants. The wine commands attention with mountainous structure and an earthy finale that echoes through time. This is Serralunga’s masculine soul captured in a bottle, promising decades of storytelling ahead.”
97 points, Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast, July 2025

“A jeweled red color, the 2021 Barolo Ornato has an attractive fragrance of incense, ripe cherries, candied orange peel, minty herbs, sappy earth, and crushed violets. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a good deal of structure, with noble Serralunga tannins, as well as a balanced feel and a long, mouthwatering finish. I am coming to find that I really love this wine from Pio Cesare. Drink 2027-2050.”
95 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck, May 2025