This historic family-owned estate is named after its founder Cesare Pio, who established the business in 1881. The winery is based in Alba, in the heart of Langhe in Piemonte and is now run by Federica Boffa and Cesare Benvenuto, the fifth generation of the family. Pio Cesare vineyards are nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding hills are ideal for vine growing with unique micro-climates and varying exposures. The confluence of cold Alpine air with warm maritime moisture regularly creates a mist, or ‘nebbia’, over the foothills, giving name to Nebbiolo, the great red variety of the region.
BAROLO PIONEERS IN THE UK
Pio Cesare developed Barolo’s reputation overseas in the 1950s by being one of the first producers to export the wine to the UK. The founder’s great grandson Pio Boffa was deeply convinced of the importance of cultivating and growing owned land to produce high quality wines and played a key role in the acquisition of vineyards in the same locations where Cesare Pio used to buy his grapes from.
VINEYARDS
Pio Cesare own 80 hectares of vineyards in the Langhe Region, including 30 ha in the Barolo region and 25 ha in the Barbaresco regions. In the hills of Barolo and Barbaresco, the family own several premium sites that were selected over the generations for their aspect, microclimate and soli composition. In the Barolo region the vineyards are located across 5 different communes: Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato, Serra, Briccolina, Lirano and Colombaro), Monforte d’Alba (Mosconi), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava and Garretti), La Morra (Roncaglie), Novello (Ravera). In the Barbaresco region the vineyards are located in Treiso (Bricco di Treiso, San Stunet, Bongiovanni) and San Rocco Seno d’Elvio (Rocche Massalupo). The family firmly believes that the true essence of each region can be best captured by blending various terroirs. Each terroir brings forth distinct characteristics that harmonize with one another. This philosophy is expressed in their flagship wines, Barolo and Barbaresco Pio, which continue to embody the timeless recipe of traditional wines from the 19th century. Since the 2015 vintage and the whole wine production comes from only family-owned vineyards.
Pio Cesare is also dedicated to the production of white wines, being the first producer in the Langhe region growing Chardonnay in the 1980s. Today they continue their experimentation with the white wines with their latest addition to the portfolio being Blanc Sauvignon and Rosy. Blanc Sauvignon is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc made from Il Bricco vineyard in Treiso and partially aged in oak barrels, Rosy is a full bodied yet elegant rosé made from Nebbiolo grapes sourced from the same vineyard. Both wines, made in very limited quantities, show the typical structure and complexity coming from Il Bricco terroir and can age beautifully in the bottle.
MINIMAL INTERVENTION WINEMAKING
Pio Cesare Nebbiolos are made with short macerations, separate lot fermentation, judicious selection from large cask and barrel ageing. The wines reflect the terroir rather than the winemaking.
THE CLASSIC RANGE
Pio Cesare portfolio includes seven ‘classic’ wines representing the significant and diverse terroirs of Piemonte (Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto d’Alba, l’Altro Chardonnay and Gavi). Pio Cesare has established itself as a benchmark producer of the classic wines of the region, particularly Barolo. Pio Boffa decided to include this message on the Classic Barolo label: “”Please don’t call it regular”, in order to start the discussion around the true value of the unique wines from the Barolo. They are world-renowned wines with a staggering history.
SINGLE VINEYARDS
Forth generation Pio Boffa created a limited range of ‘single vineyard’ wines; Barolo ‘Ornato’, Barbaresco ‘Il Bricco’, Barbera ‘Fides’ and ‘Piodilei’ Chardonnay. The latest single vineyard wine added to the Pio Cesare portfolio is Barolo Mosconi, from the eponymous vineyard, first vintage release 2015. These collectables are only produced in the very best vintages, offering a more modern interpretation of some of the great individual sites in Piemonte, an unparalleled concentration and a remarkable ageing potential.
Download PDF PrintGavi DOCG, Piemonte
100% Cortese
Pio Cesare’s Gavi has a lovely freshness, with aromas of citrus zest and apple, ripe fruit and mouthwatering zestiness on the palate. A hint of spice makes this Gavi very food-friendly and appetizing. It is greatly balanced and elegant with a long, expressive finish.
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
90% Chardonnay
10% Sauvignon Blanc
L’Altro or ‘the other’ is Pio’s second Chardonnay. It is nevertheless full of character and intensity with lovely citrus and apple pie notes. It is full-bodied, rounded with pleasant acidity on the finish.
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Chardonnay
Burgundian in style, this superior Chardonnay shows complexity on the nose and palate. Notes of apple, citrus, stone fruit and vanilla. It is full-bodied and creamy with ripe fruit and an attractive minerality and freshness on the finish.
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Chardonnay
Burgundian in style, this superior Chardonnay shows complexity on the nose and palate. Notes of apple, citrus, stone fruit and vanilla. It is full-bodied and creamy with ripe fruit and an attractive minerality and freshness on the finish.
Langhe, DOC
100% Sauvignon Blanc
The wine shows aromas of citrus and hints of tropical fruit, on the palate has a creamy texture with a long minerally finish.
Langhe, DOC
100% Sauvignon Blanc
The wine shows aromas of citrus and hints of tropical fruit. On the palate is refreshing with a long minerally finish.
Langhe, DOC
Nebbiolo
Syrah
The wine was named “Rosy” after their founder’s granddaughter. Rosy has glorious amber hues, and on the nose showcases spiced red berries, and touches of mountain herbs. With lively acidity and great structure, the finish is full of spice and red berries.
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
100% Moscato
Aromas of stone fruit with citrus and honey. The palate is semi-sweet with a delicate fizz and attractive apricot flavours. Produced in very limited quantity.
Piemonte, Italy
Nebbiolo
The ideal digestif made with China Calissaja and Succirubra barks that macerate in the estate’s classic Barolo for 21 days.The notes of gentian roots, rhubarb, cardamom seeds, sweet and bitter orange blend seamlessly with the purity of Nebbiolo and create an everlasting, rich finish.
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Dolcetto
Deep coloured, the Dolcetto has lovely berry and black cherry fruit with a slight herbal undertone. Fragrant and structured with good body and a touch of spice on the finish.
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Barbera
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.
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Fragrant ripe berry fruits and floral touches, with rounded and well integrated tannins that give this wine structure and longevity. The wine is rich, full-bodied, with a hint of gentle toasting.
Barbaresco DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
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..(James Suckling)
Barbaresco DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Pio Cesare excels when it comes to the classics, and this wine is one of those. The 2018 Barbaresco (released one year later compared to its peers) delivers some mild candied raspberry ripeness with lilac, tarry smoke, cedarwood and spice. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with softly integrated tannins. (Monica Larner, Wine Advocate)
Barolo DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
This classic highlights the purity of Nebbiolo with lifted tart red fruit notes combined with sweet and savory spices followed by subtle notes of flowers and earth. Sour cherry flavors define the palate with gentle tannins, savory herbs and a vibrant finish. Drink now–2035 (Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast).
Barolo DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
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)
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Barbera
Full body, balance and concentration. Ripe fruit with a spicy edge. Can be laid down for a very long life in the cellar.
Barbaresco DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
A solid and powerful Barbaresco with fantastic depth of fruit and layers of tannins. Full and so deep and focused, with great length and structure. Bark, berry, mineral and deep terroir and gravitas..(James Suckling)
Barbaresco DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
The 2018 Barbaresco Il Bricco shows ample depth and intensity with dark fruit, smoke, toasted spice and cured tobacco. This is a production of 6,393 numbered bottles. This vintage shows a mid-weight approach with rich fruit weight and polished tannins.(Monica Larner, Wine Advocate)
Barolo DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Dark cherry aromas are nestled between wild herbs, flowers and savory spices that push and pull your attention with each taste. Sturdy and well-structured, this wine is built for tomorrow, when all parts will relax into one another to reveal just how great this wine is. Drink 2028–2045 (Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast).
Barolo DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Very ripe sour cherries dominate the nose, which is perfumed and lifted, with a touch of vanilla beneath the soaring fruit. It’s taut and sleek, with high acidity but no greenness. The tannins are well integrated, so the texture is polished. It’s still tight and undoubtedly complex, with hints of tobacco and coffee. The balance is impeccable and this will go the distance. Although it may be accessible young, this will develop more nuances with further ageing. Long minty finish. (Stephen Brooks, 95 pts)
Barolo DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Complex on the nose, offering a blend of ripe red berries, nutty minerals, orange-peel and spice. Some savory, almost meaty notes, too. Full, compact and intense, yet there’s a graceful feel to the palate, thanks to the really fine web of tannin. Super polish and promise here. Classy. Needs some time. Try from 2025. (James Suckling)
Barolo DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Macerated raspberries combine with wild roses and crushed chalk in this evocative wine that captivates from the first sniff. Mixed cherries emerge on the palate, dusted with anise, licorice and savory herbs, wrapping up with superfine tannins that build to an extended finish that I wish would never end (Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast).
Barolo DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Compared to the Ornato, the 2018 Barolo Mosconi (with fruit from Monforte d’Alba) shows a tighter and more compact quality with a direct, linear and powerful approach. The bouquet builds in vertical intensity, starting with tart fruit aromas and culminating with tar, rusted nail and camphor ash. That aromatic ascent comes at you quickly, and the wine ultimately settles on a very wide, all-encompassing performance. (Monica Larner, Wine Advocate)