Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont’s, if not Italy’s, greatest names – consistently producing elegant expressions of Nebbiolo.
After tasting their 2019s recently, we just had to share a note on how brilliant these wines are, and how spectacular the vintage was.
The 2019 Piedmontese vintage has been praised as ‘exemplary’ by Wine Spectator. And Decanter’s Aldo Fiordelli hailed 2019 as a ‘classic‘ vintage in Barolo, rating it five out of five stars. Antonio Galloni from Vinous, wrote that the 2019 Barolos are ‘back on track’ and that 2019 Barbarescos he tasted ‘point to an outstanding vintage that has the potential to be superb.’
‘The 2019s are potent, tightly wound wines that will thrill readers who appreciate the nuance, subtlety and structure of Nebbiolo. Today, the 2019s show elements of youthful austerity that, at times, recall vintages such as 2016, 2005 and 1999.’ – Vinous
And none are more classical than that of Pio Cesare.
The Barbaresco and Barolo are the traditional ‘classico’ blends, crafted from multiple family owned vineyards to give a snapshot of the regions as a whole. Both see 30 days of maceration on the skins and 30 months in large botti. The Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2019 is a ‘graceful, well-toned red’ (Wine Spectator) that shows notes of strawberry, cassis, orange peel and rose petal. Antonio Galloni commented he was impressed with Pio Cesare’s 2019 Barbaresco’s, saying that they are ‘nuanced, translucent and wonderfully classy from start to finish.’
The Pio Cesare Barolo is a flagship wine of the estate and has been produced since it was founded in 1881. Concentrated notes of raspberry, potpourri, dusty earth and citrus zest lead to a ‘smooth’ finish with ‘tannins that elegantly dissolve over the palate.’ ‘Pio Cesare does a great job with its classic 2019 Barolo.’ (Wine Advocate)
Tasting Notes:
Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2019
‘This is a very typical Barbaresco, with a solid core of fruit. Lots of strawberries, cedar and chewy tannins. Full and structured. Excellent length, with the tannins kicking in at the end. This needs at least four or five years of bottle age. Try after 2027.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 95/100
‘A graceful, well-toned red, with a solid construction supporting aromas and flavors of cherry, strawberry, rose and graphite. Reveals flashes of tar and white pepper as this winds down on the resonant finish. Best from 2025 through 2043.’ – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 93/100
Pio Cesare Barolo 2019
‘Pio Cesare does a great job with its classic 2019 Barolo (in production since 1881). The bottom of the front label reads “Barolo Pio” in memory of the legendary Pio Boffa. He was a wine entrepreneur who gained the immediate respect and love of all those who knew him. He passed away tragically during the COVID-19 pandemic just as the vaccines were being rolled out. This is a large production of about 70,000 bottles with fruit sourced from across seven vineyards in five villages. Despite those ambitious numbers, the wine remains strictly focused on bright Nebbiolo fruit with red cassis and aniseed. The finish is smooth with tannins that elegantly dissolve over the palate.’ – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 95/100
‘Lovely perfumes of flowers, fresh strawberries and raspberries follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Citrus and spice undertones. Finishes long and intense. Tannic finish.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 94/100
