Pio Cesare Barolo and Barbaresco 2020 Vintage Report: Unveiling Exceptional Quality and Promising Aging Potential
We are delighted to share the 2020 vintage report and wine reviews from famed Barolo and Barbaresco producer Pio Cesare. The Barolos and Barbarescos 2020 will be released in the UK at the beginning of May 2024. Please get in touch with your sales manager or with Valeria Maffeis on valeria.maffeis@mmdltd.co.uk to find out about our pre-release offer.
2020 VINTAGE REPORT
The 2020 vintage joins a series of exceptional years, exhibiting great poise and seductive fruit concentration, with promising ageing potential.
Weather Conditions
Winter began with mild, dry conditions, aside from notable early and widespread snowfalls in November 2019. The vegetative cycle started prematurely, fueled by the sun-drenched months of March and April. However, an unstable May, marked by cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall, slowed grape ripening and facilitated crucial soil moisture accumulation. Warm summer temperatures, peaking above 30°C in late July and early August, were balanced by regular water storms, sustaining vine hydration. September and early October followed with sunny, mild weather, allowing gradual grape ripening.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo’s growth initiated early in March but was hindered by lower temperatures in late April. Summer persisted until early September, with Nebbiolo clusters undergoing colour changes by late July and full veraison by early August. Following a temporary slowdown in September, moderated by cooler temperatures and moderate rainfall, Nebbiolo ripening resumed, achieving excellent levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols. Additional sampling protocols were implemented in all Nebbiolo vineyards in collaboration with an external lab and the University of Turin, facilitating precise harvest timing based on ripeness indicators. Harvesting occurred between September 26th and October 5th.
Notes
Despite the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 vintage emerged as remarkably high-quality. Green harvesting, conducted diligently from late July to late August, enhanced grape concentration, depth, and ripeness. The resulting wines exhibit intense red fruit profiles, with well-integrated oak and balanced acidity, showcasing the noble character of Nebbiolo. Tannins are round, supple, and fresh, promising exceptional ageing potential.
Barolo and Barbaresco 2020
Continuing the family tradition, signature blends for Barolo Pio and Barbaresco Pio were crafted from Nebbiolo grapes sourced from multiple family-owned vineyards. Additionally, limited quantities of single-vineyard Barolo and Barbaresco were produced:
Barolo Ornato 2020 (Serralunga d’Alba): 12,325 bottles produced.
Barolo Mosconi 2020 (Monforte d’Alba): 6,937 bottles produced.
Barbaresco Il Bricco 2020 (Treiso): 6,930 bottles produced.
Ratings
BAROLO PIO 2020, 97 points James Suckling
“Very primary fruit with beautiful aromas of peaches, strawberries, berries and flowers. It’s medium- to full-bodied, with bitter citrus, cedar, chocolate and coffee bean character. Tight at the end. From five villages, primarily Serralunga, Monforte, La Morra, Grinzane Cavour and Novello. Needs two or three years to open and will age for a very long time.”
BAROLO ORNATO 2020, 98 points James Suckling
“This is very focused with lots of ripe tannins in the centre palate. Very velvety and fine-textured with a pointed character. Medium to full body. Aromas of plums and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to the fruit. Bitter citrus. Chewy at the end. Taut muscles. Sophisticated. Needs four or five years to come around. Best after 2030.
BAOLO MOSCONI 2020, 99 Points James Suckling
“Enchanting aromas of flowers like violets and lemon blossom, with raspberries and cranberries. Full-bodied yet focused and framed with a structure that builds on your palate and grows and grows, yet it remains fresh and vivid. The tannins are energetic and so, so long. A contemporary jewel. Fascinating. Thoughtful wine. Only the oldest vines are used in this from the 1940s and 1960s.”
BARBARESCO 2020, 96 points James Suckling
“Very fine and polished with plum, strawberry cedar aromas as well an iodine, sea shell chocolate undertone. Medium body, ultra-tannins a beautiful finish. It’s poised gorgeous. Such brightness finesse structure. So attractive now but will reward patience. Try after 2028.”
BARBARESCO IL BRICCO 2020, 97 points James Suckling
“Exquisite aromas of strawberries, cherries, hibiscus and cranberries. Hints cedar sandalwood. Medium body, with very fine tannins that run the length wine have melted into beautiful. Give this four or six years to completely open.”