The Pio Cesare 2016 range – an exceptional and classic year!
“2016 was characterized by one of the longest vegetative cycles in recent memory, with a slow and gradual ripening season. Spring started with delayed yet consistent rainfall, allowing vines to accumulate an abundant water supply for the summer ahead. This explains a late phenological ripening compared to previous vintages, amplified by the hot temperatures of August and September. Thanks to the spring water supply, our grapes were not affected by the heat and in fact achieved a perfect and healthy ripening, producing remarkably well-balanced wines with excellent bouquets, great structure and very ripe tannins. The absence of rain later in the season allowed us to plan the harvest respecting each individual plot’s phenolic needs.
We harvested the first Nebbiolo on October 4th and finished on October 13th. A traditionally late harvest, very close to the highly regarded 2013 vintage!
While it will certainly benefit from additional time spent in bottle, the 2016 vintage is surprisingly supple, rich and approachable despite its youth.”
To read the family’s comments on the 2016 vintage and access their updated Barolo and Barbaresco maps, click HERE
CLASSIC RANGE
Pio Cesare’s classic Barolo and Barbaresco are produced in the most traditional way: a combination of multiple single-vineyard sites spanning different villages, enhancing the peculiarities of each respective terroir. Long maceration and aging in oak “botti” in the winery’s ancient cellars have defined the family’s style since 1881.
Barolo DOCG 2016 The grapes are sourced from family-owned vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava), La Morra (Roncaglie), Barolo Novello (Ravera), and Monforte d’Alba (Mosconi). The balance of the grapes comes from other exclusive vineyards owned by growers, who have been providing grapes to the Pio Cesare family for generations. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with skin contact for about 20 days. The wine is aged in mid-toasted French oak for three years: 70 percent in 20 to 50 hectoliter casks; 30 percent in barriques.
Barbaresco DOCG 2016
The grapes are sourced exclusively from the Pio Cesare family’s vineyards: the famous “Il Bricco” estate and the great hill of San
Stefanetto, both located in the village of Treiso. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. There
is skin contact for 20 days. Thirty-five percent of the wine is aged in French oak barriques (one-third new) for 30 months. The
remaining 65 percent spends three years in French oak casks, 20 to 50 hectoliters each.
SINGLE-VINEYARD RANGE
The collection of prized parcels also allows the family to produce limited releases of single-vineyard bottlings.
Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG 2016
Sourced from two plots at the top of the Il Bricco vineyard in Treiso, one of the highest and coolest points in the Barbaresco region (6,478 bottles).
Barolo Ornato DOCG 2016
A historically significant amphitheater located in Serralunga, a village renowned for great structure and longevity. The very first “cru” ever produced by the family in 1985 (14,015 bottles).
Score: “The blue fruit and freshness are impressive here. At the same time, there’s richness and focus with ripe fruit. Yet, it remains cool and bright. Superb center palate with great fruit and depth, but compact and focused. Needs three or four years to come together. Better after 2021.”, 98 points James Suckling
Barolo Mosconi DOCG 2016
Now in its second vintage, the family’s latest acquisition in the village of Monforte, from a selection of the oldest Nebbiolo vines,
the Mosconi vineyard is recognized for complexity and supple tannins (5,799 bottles).
Score: “Really attractive blue fruit and flowers with hints of minerals. Full-bodied, very tight and sexy with super fine
tannins, at the same time. A structured and racy young wine. Better after 2021.”, 97 points James Suckling