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 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).
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.
“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.”, Pio Boffa
This vintage has extraordinary elegance, complexity and character. Silky and intense bouquet. Full body, great structure, right tannins, incredible aging potential, precise and classic Nebbiolo style. The wine has sweet and very elegant tannins.
Serve with red meat dishes, game or seasonal truffle, mature cheeses.
Serve at 16-18°C.
“Pio Cesare’s 2016 Barbaresco is, quite simply, everything Barbaresco should be. Medium in body and translucent, with a firm backbone of youthful Nebbiolo tannin, the 2016 is captivating from the very first taste. Rose petal, lavender, mint, blood orange and red berry fruit open effortlessly. This is textbook Barbaresco. I loved it.”, Vinous: 95 points, Antonio Galloni
“The Pio Cesare 2016 Barbaresco offers a subtle approach to Nebbiolo with a silky and graceful presence. The bouquet shows a nice and fanciful embroidery of wild berries, blue flowers and white licorice. Yes, these are the standard Nebbiolo traits, and this classic wine strives to deliver nothing more and nothing less than varietal purity. Any signs of the oak have been neatly folded into the delicate fiber of this Barbaresco. The wine represents a blend of fruit from Cascina Il Bricco, San Stefanetto, Bongiovanni and Rocche di Massalupo. Some 30,000 bottles were made.”, 93 points, Monica Larner
Barbaresco DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Natural cork
14%
Yes
Yes
