Pio Cesare Il Nebbio Langhe Doc 2022

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1881, Bottega Pio Cesare stands as one of Piedmont’s most respected historic wineries. Located in Alba, the estate rose to prominence by marrying traditional Piedmontese craftsmanship with the finesse of French enology. Over generations, the family expanded beyond its flagship Barolo and Barbaresco wines to introduce fresher, everyday expressions—like Il Nebbio—that honor Nebbiolo’s nobility while embracing modern, accessible styles.

Producer and Wine Maker

The Il Nebbio bottling reflects Pio Cesare’s younger, fruit-driven approach, underpinned by the expertise of their longstanding winemaking team. While no single winemaker is highlighted, the estate’s collective methodology emphasizes purity, early harvest, and restrained intervention—from vineyard to bottle—resulting in a vibrant and approachable style that complements Pio Cesare’s prestige.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Il Nebbio is crafted from grapes selectively sourced from Pio Cesare’s family-owned holdings in Langhe, spanning La Morra, Serralunga d’Alba, Treiso (Barbaresco), Diano d’Alba, and Trezzo Tinella. These sites benefit from cool hillside exposure, high diurnal temperature shifts, and limestone-clay soils— conditions that preserve Nebbiolo’s natural acidity and floral aromas, delivering freshness and vitality in a youthful wine.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Following a brief maceration, fermentation is carried out in stainless steel to retain fruit clarity. The wine remains in steel until bottling the following March, with no oak aging. This streamlined vinification preserves the varietal’s inherent brightness and youthful character, creating a clean, aromatic profile without added wood influence.

Tasting Notes

Ruby-red in hue, Il Nebbio offers aromas of fresh red and black fruit—think raspberry and currant—with a vibrant and fragrant bouquet. The palate is crisp and round, featuring soft tannins and medium structure. Gentle and approachable, it captures Nebbiolo’s essence with a smooth, graceful finish—easy-drinking yet expressive.

Food & Wine Pairing

An excellent match for weeknight pastas, especially meat ragù, and aged cheeses. Also pairs well with light meat courses or antipasti. Its vibrant fruit and gentle tannin structure make it ideal for casual Italian fare and dishes with rustic flavors.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) in a standard medium-sized red wine glass. Decanting isn’t required due to the wine’s youthful, fresh profile. Allow it to breathe slightly in the glass to showcase its aromatic clarity.

Storage and Aging Potential

This is a young, accessible Nebbiolo best enjoyed within 1–3 years of release. While traditional Nebbiolo often benefits from aging, Il Nebbio is crafted for immediate enjoyment; extended cellaring is unlikely to enhance its appeal significantly.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Nebbiolo with a small addition of Pinot Noir 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14 %