Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG 2020

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1881 in Alba, Piedmont, Pio Cesare is a storied family-owned estate celebrated for its mastery in crafting Barolo and Barbaresco. Their classic Barolo DOCG is a flagship expression, blending grapes from multiple family vineyards across iconic Barolo communes. It embodies the estate’s tradition of combining meticulous vineyard selection with elegant, age-worthy style.

Producer and Wine Maker

The 2020 Barolo DOCG is crafted by the Pio Cesare winemaking team—led by the Boffa family with oenologist Paolo Fenocchio. Their approach emphasizes minimal intervention, extended maceration, and a balanced use of traditional and modern techniques. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine is aged approximately 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks (botti), preserving Nebbiolo’s structure and nuanced expression.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

This wine is sourced from family-owned vineyards across Serralunga d’Alba, La Morra, Grinzane Cavour, Monforte, and Novello. These hillside sites, featuring limestone-clay soils and pronounced diurnal shifts, produce Nebbiolo with refined aromatics, vibrant acidity, and powerful structure.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with long skin contact. Aging lasts 36 months in large botte (tonneau), with a smaller portion possibly receiving neutral oak maturation. This traditional regimen builds texture and depth while honoring varietal purity and regional authenticity.

Tasting Notes

The 2020 vintage offers beautiful aromatics of rose petals, strawberries, and dusty earth. On the palate it is elegant and juicy, displaying spicy red fruit, bitter citrus, cedar, chocolate, and coffee bean notes. Silky tannins and freshness bring balance, with a long, inviting finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with Piedmontese cuisine, truffle-laced dishes, braised meats, aged cheeses, and rich pasta sauces. Its structure, acidity, and aromatic complexity enhance savory and earthy fare.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 18–20 °C in a large Bordeaux-style red glass. Decant for 30 minutes to allow aromas and structure to integrate and open up fully.

Storage and Aging Potential

Built for long cellaring, this Barolo can evolve gracefully for 20–25 years. Tertiary aromas such as leather, tart, and forest floor will emerge over time, while structural integrity endures.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Nebbiolo

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5%

Scores

Sorted from highest to lowest:

• James Suckling: 97 points 

• Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 94 points 

• Wine Enthusiast (Editor’s Choice): 94 points 

• Wine Spectator: 93 points 

• Decanter: 93 points 

• Falstaff: 94 points