Pio Cesare Barolo featured image
Pio Cesare Barolo 2021
Vintage
2021
Region
Barolo, Piemonte
Country
Italy
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Nebbiolo
ABV
14.5%
Dietary
Vegetarian
Sustainability
-
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 Barolo 2021 is produced from Nebbiolo grown across several key Barolo villages, including Serralunga d?Alba, Monforte d?Alba, Novello, La Morra and Grinzane Cavour. Important sites include Ornato in Serralunga, Mosconi in Monforte, Ravera in Novello, Roncaglie in La Morra and Gustava in Grinzane Cavour. Altitudes range from around 280 to 400 metres, with varied exposures and limestone-led soils containing different proportions of clay and sand. This multi-vineyard blend captures the structure, finesse and complexity of Barolo.
Vinification
Fermentation and long maceration on the skins take place in stainless steel tanks, supporting extraction of colour, tannin and aromatic depth. After vinification, the individual vineyard components are carefully blended to create a complete Barolo expression. The wine ages for nearly 24 months in large French and Eastern European oak casks, with a small portion in French oak barriques. Long bottle ageing before release improves integration, drinkability and long-term ageing potential.
2021
The 2021 vintage was defined by a long, cold winter with abundant snow and rain, followed by a cool, dry spring that delayed the growing cycle. Summer rainfall supported steady vine development, while warmer weather from mid-July aided ripening without creating prolonged heat stress. September brought cooler conditions, and October was dry and sunny with excellent diurnal variation. Nebbiolo harvest in Barolo began on 11 October with Ornato in Serralunga d?Alba and concluded at Mosconi, a later-ripening site. The vintage produced balanced fruit, structure and refined tannins.
Tasting Note
Pio Cesare Barolo 2021 reflects the harmony of multiple Barolo terroirs. The nose shows ripe red fruit, spice and subtle savoury notes. The palate is structured and precise, with firm Nebbiolo tannins balanced by freshness, finesse and fruit depth. Full-bodied yet measured, it combines power with elegance and a long, persistent structure. The finish is refined and age-worthy, with lingering red fruit, spice and mineral detail.
Food Pairing
Pair with braised beef, roast lamb, game, aged cheeses, truffle dishes, wild mushroom risotto, tajarin with rag?, venison or classic Piedmontese meat dishes.
Bottle Shots - Pio Cesare Barolo 2021
