Pio Cesare Barolo featured image
Pio Cesare Barolo 2022
Vintage
2022
Region
Barolo, 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 Barolo 2022 is made from Nebbiolo sourced from a blend of estate vineyards across the Barolo region, including Ornato in Serralunga d?Alba, Mosconi in Monforte d?Alba, Ravera in Novello, Roncaglie in La Morra and Gustava in Grinzane Cavour. The vineyards range from approximately 280 to 400 metres altitude, with varied exposures and limestone-based soils. Ornato?s amphitheatre in Serralunga gives structure and mineral depth, while sites such as Roncaglie and Ravera contribute finesse, aromatic lift and balance.
Vinification
In 2022, vinification was deliberately gentle, with slightly shorter macerations and moderate fermentation temperatures to extract elegant, refined tannins. Fermentation and maceration took place in stainless steel tanks, followed by a meticulous blend of the different Barolo vineyard components. The wine was aged for around 24 months, mainly in large French, Austrian and Slavonian oak casks, with a small proportion in barriques. Extended bottle ageing helps achieve harmony, approachability and long ageing potential.
2022
The 2022 vintage was early, dry and warm, with limited winter and spring water reserves followed by hot summer conditions. Intensive vineyard work was vital, including deep soil turnover, incorporation of organic matter, protective canopy management and rigorous green harvesting. Nebbiolo budbreak began around mid-March, around 15 days earlier than in 2021, though the total vegetative cycle still lasted approximately 190 days. Barolo harvest began on 25 September in Ornato, Serralunga d?Alba, and finished on 5 October in La Morra. The wines show fruit concentration, freshness, firm tannins and smoky, mineral notes.
Tasting Note
Pio Cesare Barolo 2022 combines fruit concentration with freshness and firm structure. The nose shows ripe red fruit, spice, smoky nuances and mineral detail, reflecting the warmer Barolo conditions and compact white marl soils. The palate is structured and focused, with firm tannins, solid depth and a fresh line that balances the vintage?s concentration. Full-bodied and complex, it finishes long, persistent and mineral, with strong ageing potential.
Food Pairing
Pair with braised beef, roast venison, lamb, game, truffle pasta, wild mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, Barolo-braised meats or classic Piedmontese cuisine.
Bottle Shots - Pio Cesare Barolo 2022
