Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG 2019 375ml

Winery Background and History

Bottega Pio Cesare, established in 1881 in Alba, Piedmont, is a historic winery renowned for its masterful blend of long-standing tradition and refined French winemaking techniques. Over the years, the estate has gained global acclaim through its flagship wines—Barolo and Barbaresco—as well as approachable regional offerings. With a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and homage to the region’s terroir, Pio Cesare continues to uphold its reputation as a benchmark producer of timeless, elegant wines.

Producer and Wine Maker

The 2019 Barolo is crafted by Pio Cesare’s expert winemaking team, under the stewardship of the Boffa family (Federica, Cesare, and Augusto Boffa) in collaboration with oenologist Paolo Fenocchio. Guided by a philosophy of precise vineyard selection and careful minimal intervention, the team meticulously navigates long macerations, extended aging, and balanced barrel use to produce wines of depth, structure, and finesse.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

This Barolo is sourced from a blend of seven historic family-owned vineyards across five Barolo communes—including Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato, La Serra, Briccolina, Lirano), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava, Garretti), La Morra (Roncaglie), Novello (Ravera), and Monforte d’Alba (Mosconi). These sites, featuring calcareous-clay soils and notable diurnal temperature shifts, yield Nebbiolo grapes with compelling vibrancy, complexity, and aristocratic structure.

Vinification & Aging Methods

After soft crushing and destemming, fermentation occurs in stainless steel with approximately 30 days of skin contact and daily punch-downs. Aging extends for 36 months in mid-toasted French oak: 70% in large casks (botti) and 30% in barriques. This traditional but refined regimen preserves Nebbiolo’s floral elegance while building texture and complexity.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 Barolo reveals a vivid potpourri of macerated cherry, currant, rose petal, eucalyptus, and dusty earth. On the palate, it delivers a seamless blend of power and grace—ripe red fruit, aniseed, and cassis infused with refined tannins, lifted by bright acidity. The long, structured finish is both intense and elegant, offering long-term potential.

Food & Wine Pairing

Best matched with rich, savory dishes such as truffle-infused risotto, roasted lamb, braised meats, and aged cheeses. Its robust yet nuanced character also pairs effortlessly with Piedmontese classics like braised beef or mushroom risotto.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 18–20 °C in a large, wide-bottomed red wine glass to allow aromatics to unfold. Decant for at least 30 minutes to soften tannins and enhance complexity for immediate enjoyment or further aging.

Storage and Aging Potential

Built for longevity, this Barolo can age gracefully for 20 to 25 years under proper cellar conditions. With time, tertiary notes such as leather, truffle, dried herbs, and forest floor will emerge, while retaining its structural integrity.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Nebbiolo

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5 % 

Scores

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 95 points 

Wine Enthusiast: 94 points 

James Suckling: 94 points 

Wine Spectator: 92 points