Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG 2014

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

The grapes are sourced exclusively from family owned vineyards in Treiso (Il Bricco, San Stefanetto and Bongiovanni) and in San Rocco Seno d’Elvio (Rocche di Massalupo).

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested, then gently pressed and fermented on the skins for 20 days at 25 to 26°C in stainless steel. 35% of the wine is then aged in mid-toasted French oak (a third new) for 30 months. The remaining 65% spends three years in 20 to 50 hectolitre casks.

Vintage Information

Pio Boffa, fourth generation of Pio Cesare, comments on this misunderstood vintage:
After the powerful 2013 vintage, 2014 is more balanced and elegant in style. Nevertheless, 2014 is considered a hot vintage. Unlike other regions in Italy that suffered from rain in the summer and into the autumn, the rain in Piedmont only lasted until mid-August and then we had very dry and hot conditions with high day-night temperature difference.
This has been fundamental for the maturation of the delicate Nebbiolo grapes.
We had a very strict and severe green harvest with an even flowering which resulted in excellent quality.
The rainwater accumulated during the summer helped the vineyards with the most southern exposure and the green harvest resulted into very concentrated and fruit-forward wines with intense colour.
Both Barolo and Barbaresco are very elegant, with great energy and balance between acidity and structure with very rich perfumes.
The 2014 vintage is a perfect example of how fundamental the end of the season is in determining the final quality of the grapes and wines.”

Tasting Note

A very elegant style of Barbaresco: fresh and vibrant with ripe and spicy red fruit. Finely grained and structured tannins with a succulent mouthfeel. Good structure and concentration. Excellent to drink now with long ageing potential.

Food Pairing

Serve with red meat dishes, game or seasonal truffle, mature cheeses.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 16-18°C.

Press

Wine Enthusiast: 92 POINTS
February 1, 2019, Kerin O’Keefe

“Toast, pressed rose, dark spice and wild berry aromas form the nose. Polished and structured, the elegant palate delivers raspberry compote, sour cherry, licorice and a hint of tobacco framed in taut fine-grained tannins. Drink 2021–2029.”

JamesSuckling.com: 92 POINTS
September 25, 2018, James Suckling

“Lots of rose petals and dried fruit with hints of sliced oranges on the nose. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Linear and pretty. Don’t wait on this one. Drink now.”

Wine Spectator: 91 POINTS
September 30, 2018, Bruce Sanderson

“Strains of sweet vanilla shine through the cherry, menthol and iron flavors in this austere, tensile red. Needs time for the fruit to assert itself, yet the aftertaste finds equilibrium. Best from 2022 through 2033. 1,600 cases made.”

Barbaresco DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Natural cork
14%
Yes
Yes

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