Established in 1881, Pio Cesare, now run by fifth generation Pio Boffa, was one of the very first producers to believe in the potential and quality of the great wines of Piemonte and to export to the UK. A ceaseless devotion to the individuality of each of the region’s wines informs Pio’s choices in the vineyards and cellar. He applies a ‘minimal intervention’ philosophy to wine making, creating wines that year after year, are ranked among the world’s best wines.
The grapes for this wine come partly from family-owned vineyards in Serraluga d’Alba (Ornato and Colombaro), in Sinio, Diano d’Alba and Grinzane Cavour and partly from vineyards belonging to established growers. The growers have been working with Pio Cesare for generations and work according to their direction and with strict quality controls.
The grapes are hand-picked and gently pressed and fermented at 25 to 26°C. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with skin contact for 15 days. The wine is then aged in medium-toasted French oak barriques (25%) and 20-50 hectolitre casks (75%) for 11 months.
Aromas of blackberries, plums and ripe berry fruit with a touch of spice and tobacco. On the palate this wine is supple and juicy with a great fruit and complexity.
Serve with pork chops, braised lamb dishes, mushroom risotto, pizza or pasta with sausage, meat balls.
Serve at 16-18°C.
Vinous Media: 90 POINTS
June 2018, Antonio Galloni
“The 2015 Barbera d’Alba is an absolutely delicious, entry-level wine from Pio Cesare. Drink it over the next 2-3 years, while the red cherry and plum fruit flavors retain their youthful intensity and freshness. The 2015 is textbook Barbera at an exceedingly fair price.”
Wine Spectator: 89 POINTS
November 15, 2017, Bruce Sanderson
“A spicy version, this sports blueberry, blackberry and subtle black pepper flavors, backed by a solid structure. Vibrant and supple, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and earth.”
The Wine Advocate: 89 POINTS
June 30, 2017, Monica Larner
“This hot vintage delivers super richness and darkness. Made entirely from estate-grown fruit (sourced from vineyards located in both Barolo and Barbaresco), the 2015 Barbera d’Alba is a luscious and succulent wine with an inky, glossy appearance. Mature fruit aromas of dark cherry, spice and blackberry preserves hammer home the flavors associated with a warm growing season. The wine is partially aged in barrique (20%) and the remainder goes into oak casks for six months.”
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Barbera
Natural Cork
Yes
Yes
