Pio Cesare Barbaresco featured image
Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2021
Vintage
2021
Region
Barbaresco, Piemonte
Country
Italy
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Nebbiolo
ABV
14.5%
Dietary
Vegetarian
Sustainability
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Pio Cesare
Pio Cesare is a historic Piemonte wine producer founded in 1881 in the centre of Alba, in the Langhe. Now led by the fifth generation of the family, Federica Boffa Pio and Cesare Benvenuto, the estate is known for Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo, Gavi, Moscato d’Asti and a growing range of single-vineyard wines. Pio Cesare offers one of the region’s most established and recognisable names.
Read MoreViticulture
Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2021 is produced from Nebbiolo grapes sourced from four vineyards in the Barbaresco region: Bricco di Treiso, San Stunet and Bongiovanni in Treiso, and Rocche Massalupo in Alba?s San Rocco Seno d?Elvio area. Bricco di Treiso, at around 410 metres, is one of the region?s highest sites and benefits from a fresher microclimate. San Stunet and Bongiovanni sit at around 400 metres, while Rocche Massalupo lies at around 280 metres. Soils are limestone-led, with varying proportions of clay and sand.
Vinification
Fermentation and long maceration on the skins take place in stainless steel tanks, allowing careful extraction of colour, tannin and aromatic complexity. The wine is then blended from its different vineyard components and aged for nearly 24 months in large French and Eastern European oak casks, with a small proportion aged in French oak barriques. Extended bottle ageing follows before release, improving integration, approachability and long-term ageing potential.
2021
The 2021 vintage followed a long, cold winter with abundant snow and rain, building valuable water reserves. A cool, dry spring delayed the vegetative cycle and reduced the impact of April frost. Rainfall in early summer supported steady vine growth, while warmer conditions from mid-July encouraged balanced ripening. September brought cooler temperatures, followed by a dry and sunny October with strong day-night temperature variation. Nebbiolo in Barbaresco was harvested between 7 and 10 October, producing fruit with balance, concentration and refined tannic structure.
Tasting Note
Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2021 combines the diverse characters of Nebbiolo grown across several Barbaresco terroirs. The nose shows ripe red fruit, spice and floral nuances, reflecting the cooler, balanced conditions of the vintage. The palate is structured yet approachable, with ripe fruit concentration, round tannins and fresh acidity. Medium to full-bodied, it offers depth, complexity and precision. The finish is long, elegant and persistent, with strong ageing potential.
Food Pairing
Pair with roast veal, lamb, duck, mushroom risotto, tajarin with rag?, truffle dishes, aged cheeses, game birds or refined Piedmontese and Italian meat dishes.
Bottle Shots - Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2021
