Pio Cesare Nebbiolo 2015

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

The grapes for this wine come exclusively from a selection of the family’s own vineyards in Diano d’Alba, La Morra, Collaretto and Lirano in Serralunga d’Alba and Rocche di Massalupo in San Rocco Seno d’Elvio.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-picked and gently pressed and fermented at 25 to 26°C. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with skin contact for 12 days. The wine is then aged in medium-toasted French oak for 30 months: 20% in barriques, 80% in 20-50 hectolitre casks.

Vintage Information

Winter in 2015 began with heavy snowfalls in January which supplied the land with excellent water reserves.
February was mild, bringing an early start to the growing cycle, a pattern which continued until harvest. Budding began earlier than 2014, with flowing taking place in the middle of May.

There was heavy rainfall between flowering and fruit set which was very beneficial later in the season due to drought and warm weather in late June and July. Thanks to this timely rainfall, and the snowfalls in January, the vines did not suffer undue water stress. Consequently, harvest took place about ten days earlier than 2014.

Green harvesting was targeted and precise. High temperatures meant that the crop was exceptionally healthy, with minimal impact from fungal disease. However, leaf management was important to protect the grapes from the sun’s rays.
Grapes achieved optimal maturity and ripeness, with good sugar concentration, balanced acidity and excellent structure, making 2015 an age-worthy vintage.

Tasting Note

Vibrant black cherry, rose petals, forest floor and  smokey notes on the nose, with finely grained tannins and refreshing acidity adding to the structured mouthfeel. The wine is expressive and full-bodied, with a hint of gentle smokey noteon the finish. Elegant and fragrant, this Nebbiolo is ready to be enjoyed but will develo even more complex aromas with age.

Food Pairing

Ideal with steak tartar, truffle, mushroom dishes, duck, guinea fowl, veal, braised beef, cheese.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 16-18°C.

Press

Vinous Media: 90 POINTS
June 2019, Antonio Galloni

“The 2015 Langhe Nebbiolo is another delicious entry-level wine from Pio Cesare. Classic Nebbiolo flavors are given an extra kick of intensity in this expressive, budget-friendly red. Crushed rose petal, mint, kirsch and dried flowers all flesh out effortlessly in the glass. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2015 has a lot to offer.”

Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Nebbiolo
Natural cork
14%
Yes
Yes

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