Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG 2019 375ml

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1881 in Alba, Piedmont, Pio Cesare is among the region’s most revered estates. Known for blending traditional Piedmontese craftsmanship with French winemaking techniques, the estate has long been celebrated for its flagship Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Their half-bottle Barbaresco offers a refined, accessible expression of Nebbiolo’s elegance and the estate’s enduring legacy of quality and regional fidelity.

Producer and Wine Maker

This Barbaresco is produced by the skilled Pio Cesare team—one of the oldest continuously family-managed producers in Piedmont. Guided today by the Boffa family and the estate’s oenologist, their winemaking focuses on minimal intervention, precise selection, and long aging. The result is a wine that reflects both terroir and tradition while remaining supple and expressive.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes for this blend come from Pio Cesare’s estate vineyards in Treiso, including notable sites like Il Bricco and San Stefanetto. Perched on hillside plots with calcareous clay soils, these vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights. This environment fosters expressive Nebbiolo grapes loaded with floral notes, balanced acidity, and structured elegance.

Vinification & Aging Methods

After careful sorting, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel with about 20 days of skin contact. Aging lasts around 30 months: approximately 35% in French oak barriques (one-third new) and the remainder in large vats (“botti”). This approach marries structure and complexity with Nebbiolo’s aromatic finesse.

Tasting Notes

On the nose: layers of red berries, allspice, undergrowth, and herbs, framed by elegant rose petal nuances. On the palate: refined structure with superfine tannins, fresh acidity, notes of currant, leather, tobacco, and mineral undertones. The texture is graceful, the finish long, nuanced, and aromatic—rich yet harmonious  .

Food & Wine Pairing

A classic match for Piedmontese dishes—think truffle risotto, braised beef, roasted pork, or aged cheeses. Its structure, acid freshness, and aromatic complexity elevate layered flavors, making it ideal for hearty, savory fare.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at around 17 °C (63 °F) in a wide-bowled Nebbiolo or medium Burgundy-style glass to allow aromatics to emerge. A short decant of 20–30 minutes brings out the wine’s layered nuance and softens youthful tannins.

Storage and Aging Potential

This Barbaresco offers graceful medium- to long-term aging potential. Under proper cellaring, expect evolution over 10–15 years or more, during which tertiary notes like leather, forest floor, spice, and earth will emerge.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Nebbiolo

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Not specifically listed for 37.5 cl, but typically around 14% for this bottling format

Scores

James Suckling: 95 points (full-size format) 

Wine Spectator: 93 points