Pio Cesare Barolo Mosconi 2020

Winery Background and History

Bottega Pio Cesare, founded in Alba in 1881, is a storied estate of Piedmont renowned for classic Barolo and Barbaresco. Built on a legacy of French winemaking influence blended with Piedmontese tradition, Pio Cesare crafts single-vineyard expressions like Mosconi to showcase Nebbiolo’s nobility in an approachable yet sophisticated style. The estate balances heritage with precision through meticulous vineyard selection, yielding wines that reflect both terroir and timeless elegance.

Producer and Wine Maker

Il Mosconi is vinified by Pio Cesare’s longstanding winemaking team, operating under the family’s dedication to terroir-driven excellence. Though individual winemakers aren’t named, the estate’s approach focuses on minimal intervention, extended maceration, and careful oak treatment. This ensures that Mosconi retains Nebbiolo’s elegance and structural integrity while offering immediate approachability and long-term balance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Mosconi is sourced from the oldest Nebbiolo vines (planted in 1947 and 1971) in the family’s Monforte d’Alba holdings, at an altitude around 390 m. The vineyard delivers low yields, with well-drained soils and strong diurnal variation, fostering concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, and floral complexity—hallmarks of a top-tier Barolo terroir.

Vinification & Aging Methods

After soft crushing and destemming, grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel with daily cap punch-downs, reaching up to about 30 °C over a 10-day period. Maceration continues for over 30 days. The wine then ages approximately 42 months in a combination of large cask (“botti”) and 20% French barriques, imparting texture and structure while preserving Nebbiolo’s aromatic finesse.

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet red in color, Mosconi’s nose reveals ripe plum, cherry, violet, sandalwood, licorice, and balsamic herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied, showcasing polished tannins, a juicy mid-palate, refined spices, dark chocolate, and fresh acidity. The finish is long, mineral-tinged, and elegantly layered—combining power with poise.

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with rich, savory fare such as roasted lamb, braised meats, truffle-infused dishes, and hearty stews. Its structure and elegance also complement aged cheeses and complex sauces, making it perfect for culinary-immersive pairing.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at about 18–20 °C in a wide Bordeaux-style glass. Decanting for 30 minutes is recommended to allow aromatics to unfurl and tannins to integrate into a smoother expression.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is built for long-term cellaring. Under ideal conditions, Mosconi will evolve gracefully for 20–30 years, developing tertiary notes such as leather, forest floor, and earth while maintaining acidity and structure.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Nebbiolo 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5% 

Scores

James Suckling: 99 points 

Wine Enthusiast: 95 points 

Wine Advocate (The Wine Advocate / Robert Parker): 95 points 

Wine Spectator: 94 points