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.
Barolo is a unique wine that encapsulates the wide spectrum of terroir of this exciting region. Frustrated by the fact that non-single vineyard Barolos are often described as “regular”, he decided to take action and defend the pride and joy of his region’s most celebrated wine by printing his request on his label: “Please, don’t call it regular”
The grapes are sourced from family-owned vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava), La Morra (Roncaglie), Barolo Novello (Ravera), and Monforte d’Alba (Mosconi). The balance of the grapes comes from other exclusive vineyards owned by growers, who have been providing grapes to the Pio Cesare family for generations
Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with skin contact for about 20 days. The wine is aged in mid-toasted French oak for three years: 70 percent in 20 to 50 hectoliter casks; 30 percent in barriques.
“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 ageing potential, precise and classic Nebbiolo style. The wine has sweet and very elegant tannins. It still needs one year in oak for the best maturation.
Ideal with steak tartar, truffle, porcini dishes, duck, guinea fowl, veal, braised beef, cheese.
Serve at 16-18°C.
“Widely sourced, from family-owned vineyards in Novello and Grinzane Cavour as well as more celebrated villages, this Barolo shows admirable opulence on the nose, with sweet cherry fruit but no trace of jamminess. Firm and spicy, it displays excellent vigour and presence, and shows more weight and perhaps better balance than the Barbaresco, and good acidity gives persistence and refinement. Long.”, 92 Points, Stephen Brook, Decanter
Barolo DOCG, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Natural cork
14.0%
0.2 g/l
5.2 g/l
3.56
Yes
Yes
