Pio Cesare L' Altro Chardonnay Langhe Doc 2023

Winery Background and History

Bottega Pio Cesare was founded in 1881 in Alba, Piedmont, and is a pillar of the region’s winemaking heritage. Known for harmonizing traditional Piedmontese craftsmanship with French winemaking finesse, the estate established itself through classic wines like Barolo and Barbaresco. The L’Altro label was introduced as a modern, approachable expression, offering freshness and everyday appeal while maintaining the winery’s rich legacy and dedication to quality and regional typicity

Producer and Wine Maker

L’Altro is crafted by the Pio Cesare winemaking team, which draws on generations of expertise. While no single winemaker is named, the collective approach emphasizes high-quality sourcing, minimal intervention, and clean vinification. Their methodology allows the wine to express its terroir—combining fruit clarity and delicate complexity—while remaining accessible and balanced, reflecting Pio Cesare’s long-standing philosophy of refined expression

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes for L’Altro come from family-owned vineyards—such as Il Bricco in Treiso, Bossania in Trezzo Tinella, and Colombaro near Serralunga d’Alba, with Mosconi in Monforte used in some vintages. These sites enjoy cool hillside exposure, calcareous clay soils, and significant diurnal temperature variation. This climate fosters retention of acidity, nuanced aromatics, and a refined structure—ideal for crafting vibrant, expressive Chardonnay with regional character 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Most of the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures, preserving freshness and fruit purity. A smaller portion undergoes fermentation in French barriques with fine lees aging and periodic stirring, enhancing texture and complexity. After fermentation, the wine rests on the lees for several months before bottling, resulting in a harmonious balance between crisp fruit and creamy mouthfeel 

Tasting Notes

Pale straw in color, L’Altro offers a fresh bouquet of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), green apple, white peach, delicate white flowers, and subtle almond and vanilla spice. On the palate it is juicy and precise, with lively acidity, creamy lees texture, and a salty-mineral finish. The wine strikes a charming balance between stainless steel clarity, fine oak spice, and yeast-driven depth 

Food & Wine Pairing

L’Altro pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes due to its balance of freshness and texture. It’s an excellent match for grilled or fried fish, white poultry, medium-aged cheeses, risottos, and terrines. The wine’s zesty fruit, creamy mouthfeel, and savory character make it versatile for casual and refined fare alike 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve well-chilled at around 10–12 °C (50–54 °F) in a standard white wine glass. No decanting is necessary; simply pour and let the aromatics and refreshing texture shine directly from the glass

Storage and Aging Potential

Although L’Altro is intended for near-term enjoyment, it offers modest aging potential. Under proper storage, it can evolve gracefully until at least 2029, with integration of its lees complexity and softening of its acidity 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Chardonnay (dominant) with a small portion of Sauvignon Blanc 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%