Pio Cesare Barolo Pio D.O.C.G. 2019

Pio Cesare have been making wines in their ancient cellars in central Alba for 141 years, from their vineyards based primarily in Barolo and Barbaresco. Today, fifth generation Federica Boffa with her cousin Cesare Benvenuto lead this prestigious estate, after the untimely passing of Pio Boffa in 2021 after 40 years as the face of Pio Cesare. The winegrowing is sustainable and the winemaking largely traditional resulting in wines of great elegance, structure and purity.

The Nebbiolo grapes for the Pio Cesare Barolo Pio are sourced from multiple vineyards are blended before the fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Long skin contact maceration for 30 days at high temperatures. The wine is aged in big French and Slavonian oak “botti” for at least 2 years; for a small amount in barriques as well.

Aromas of spicy red cherries on a loamy underlay, together with savory twists of forest floor and walnut shell. Some orange rind, too. Full-bodied with very fine, firm and silky tannins and lots of long, focused fruit and spice flavor. Good structure for 2018. Needs a year or two to fully knit together. Best from 2024. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, 94 Points