Pio Cesare Barbaresco Docg 2020

Winery Background and History

Bottega Pio Cesare, founded in 1881 in Alba, Piedmont, is a benchmark estate celebrated for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines. The Barbaresco “Pio” DOCG is a flagship expression that honors the region’s tradition while embracing Pio Cesare’s legacy of refined craftsmanship and terroir-driven elegance. It blends fruit from multiple family-owned vineyards in Treiso and Alba, offering classic Barbaresco character with contemporary clarity. 

Producer and Wine Maker

This wine is produced by the Pio Cesare winemaking team—led by the Boffa family and oenologist Paolo Fenocchio—who stress minimal intervention and meticulous selection. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel with gentle cap management and extended skin contact. Aging lasts 30 months in oak—90% in large “botti” and 10% in neutral barriques—to craft complexity while preserving Nebbiolo’s clarity and finesse. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from four family-owned vineyards: Il Bricco, San Stefanetto, Bongiovanni in Treiso, and Rocche di Massalupo in Alba. Over 70% of fruit comes from the high-altitude Il Bricco plot (above 400 m), contributing freshness, tension, and expressive aromatics. The cool diurnal shifts and calcareous clay soils enhance structure and elegance. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermentation is conducted in stainless steel with a 20–30 day maceration. The wine is then aged for 30 months in French oak: approximately 90% in large oak casks (botti) and 10% in neutral barriques. Starting from 2022, Austrian oak is introduced. 

Tasting Notes

Aromas of fresh cherries, raspberries, red currant, and underbrush unfold into earthy and herbaceous layers. The palate is balanced and mouthfilling, featuring firm backbone, refined tannins, bright acidity, and a focused, long finish with spiced nuances. Elegant and structured, this is both accessible now and promising with age. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Perfect with Piedmontese classics—truffle risotto, roasted game, braised meats, and aged cheeses—its elegance, spice, and structure complement richly textured dishes. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve around 18 °C in a large, wide-bowled red wine glass. Decanting for 30 minutes is recommended to fully express its aromatics and soften early structure. 

Storage and Aging Potential

Built for long-term cellaring, this wine can evolve gracefully over 10–20 years. With time, expect tertiary notes like leather, forest floor, and spice to emerge while maintaining structural finesse and balance. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Nebbiolo 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5% 

Scores (sorted by highest to lowest)

• James Suckling: 96 points 

• Wine Enthusiast: 93 points (Editor’s Choice) 

• International Wine Review (Don Winkler): 93 points 

• View From the Cellar (John Gilman): 93 points 

• Jeb Dunnuck: 92 points