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.
“An exceptional vintage thanks to healthy grapes and exceptionally regular bunches. A very cold winter with plenty of snow and a protracted cool and rainy spring replenished the water tables, much needed during a July that was the hottest ever on record. The vintage shows great promise, even if some grapes were relatively low in acidity.“, www.jancisrobinson.com
Pio Cesare Vintage Report:
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.
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.
JamesSuckling.com: 96 POINTS
August 1, 2018, James Suckling
“A linear and firm white with sliced apples, light vanilla and cream. Medium body, a light phenolic texture and a flavorful yet focused finish. Shows complexity and seriousness. Drink or hold.”
Langhe DOC, Piemonte
100% Chardonnay
Natural cork
13.5%
0.5 g/l
6.4 g/l
3.04
Yes
Yes
