Pio Cesare Langhe Chardonnay Piodilei DOC 2022

Winery Background and History

Bottega Pio Cesare, established in 1881 in Alba, Piedmont, blends traditional Piedmontese winemaking with French influence. Introduced in 1985, the Chardonnay Piodilei (meaning “for the ladies”) symbolizes the family’s ambition to craft a white wine with the structural complexity and aging potential akin to their celebrated reds, produced in limited quantities from select vineyards in Langhe  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by the Pio Cesare winemaking team, now led by the Boffa family and oenologist Paolo Fenocchio, the Piodilei reflects a philosophy of minimal intervention and fine selection. The vinification blends stainless steel fermentation with finishing in French oak barriques—one-third new—with extensive lees aging, resulting in texture, clarity, and elegance  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Sourced from the “Il Bricco” estate vineyard in Treiso (Barbaresco area) and the Mosconi vineyard in Monforte d’Alba, the grapes experience late, fully ripe harvests at cool, high exposures. These terroirs impart depth, complexity, and aging potential to the wine  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

After picking, the grapes are softly pressed and initially fermented in stainless steel. The wine then ages approximately 8–10 months in French oak barriques (with one-third new), with frequent lees contact. It then undergoes about six–nine months of bottle aging before release  .

Tasting Notes

Spicy, creamy, and intense, the wine shows ripe, sweet fruit balanced by freshness and elegant oak. On the nose: delicate white flowers, golden apple, vanilla bean. The palate balances creamy texture with vibrant acidity, finishing long, refined, and poised. It conveys both richness and finesse  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal alongside grilled or lightly sautéed fish, shellfish, soft cheeses, and risotto. Its texture and balance make it versatile enough for both casual and refined pairings  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 12–14 °C (54–57 °F) in a white wine glass. No decanting required — just serve well-chilled to retain freshness and aromatic clarity  .

Storage and Aging Potential

Piodilei is crafted for long aging—expected to develop gracefully over 15–25 years under optimal cellar conditions  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Chardonnay  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.0 %  .

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 94 points 

• James Suckling: 94 points 

• Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 92 points