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.
The grapes for this wine come from the family-owned vineyard ‘Il Bricco’ in Treiso in Barbaresco and of the Colombaro in Serralunga d’Alba, in the Barolo area. The ‘Il Bricco’ vineyard was the very first that Pio Cesare planted with Chardonnay in 1980.
The grapes are harvested late and hand-picked. The grapes are gently pressed and fermented on the lees in new French oak barriques where the wine remains for 8 months. The wine is then left in th ebottle for 6 months prior to release.
Burgundian in style, this superior Chardonnay shows complexity on the nose and palate. Notes of apple, citrus, stone fruit and vanilla. It is full-bodied and creamy with ripe fruit and an attractive minerality and freshness on the finish.
Turbot, sea bass, veal chops, butternut squash and sage ravioli, lobster, scallops, roast chicken, guinea fowl.
Serve at 12-14°C.
Decanter: 92 POINTS
May 7, 2019
“Pio Cesare’s Chardonnay comes from estate vines in the Cascina Il Bricco vineyard in Treiso and the Colombaro vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. A cool and rainy spring gradually gave way to plenty of warmth in late summer, allowing for slow ripening. This is a rich, oaky style thanks to barrel-fermentation and maturation on its lees for 10 months in one-third new wood. It’s broad on the palate, with lovely freshness and a lick of lime accompanying the oak-spiced mid-palate. Despite the richness, the acidity brings elegance and balance. It will pair well with a feta salad or tempura squid.”
JamesSuckling.com: 94 POINTS
June 29, 2018, James Suckling
“This is very direct and linear with bright acidity, as well as apples, pears and hints of lemons. Medium-bodied, pure and bright. Mineral and long, too. Drink or hold.”
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Chardonnay
Natural cork
Yes
Yes
