This historic family-owned estate is named after its founder Cesare Pio, who established the business in 1881. The winery is based in Alba, in the heart of Piemonte and is now run by Federica Boffa and Cesare Benvenuto, the fifth generation of the family. Pio Cesare developed Barolo’s reputation overseas in the 1950s by being one of the first producers to export the wine to the UK. The founder’s great grandson Pio Boffa was deeply convinced of the importance of cultivating and growing owned land to produce high quality wines and played a key role in the acquisition of vineyards in the same locations where Cesare Pio used to buy his grapes from. Today Pio Cesare owns 80 hectares located in several premium hill-side positions, selected for the exposure, soil composition and microclimate in the Barolo and Barbaresco regions. The wines are made in a style that manages to balance the best of the old with the best of the new. The estate includes most of the municipalities in the Barolo and Barbaresco areas.
The grapes for Gavi come from hillside vineyards belonging to established growers who have been working with Pio Cesare for generations and work according to their direction and with strict quality controls.
The grapes are picked by hand and then gently pressed. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to preserve the aromatic compounds. The wine remains on its lees for four months before bottling the March following harvest.
The 2022 vintage faced significant agricultural challenges due to a lack of soil water reserves, especially during winter and spring. Early-season rainfall was limited, and a warm spring accelerated vine growth. Summer brought intense heat, causing flowering to occur ten days early. Rainfall was primarily concentrated in the summer months, benefiting the vineyards. Preparations in May and June helped the soil absorb this much-needed moisture. To safeguard plant health, strategies like careful green management, leaf protection for bunches, and green harvesting were implemented. These efforts resulted in robust vine growth, ensuring the vines were in excellent condition at harvest, with healthy, balanced grapes.
Pio Cesare’s Gavi has a lovely freshness, with aromas of citrus zest and apple, ripe fruit and mouthwatering zestiness on the palate. A hint of spice makes this Gavi very food-friendly and appetizing. It is greatly balanced and elegant with a long, expressive finish.
Great with salad, antipasti, creamy pasta sauces, risotto, any grilled fish, or just on its own.
Serve at 12-14°C.
Gavi DOCG, Piemonte
100% Cortese
Natural cork
13%
Yes
Yes
