From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Tasting Notes: Medium red, with hints of garnet on the edge. Aromas of very ripe strawberry, with cedar, dried mushroom, and spices. Fabulous roses on the nose. Full-bodied, with seductive flavors and textures. Strawberry, tea, tar, and roses galore, yet refined and subtle. So very long and dense, yet balanced and beautiful. Even better than I remember. This was our No. 7 wine in 2001. -Wine Spectator
This classic Barolo is a blend of four different prime sites in the Barolo zone, each contributing its unique qualities to the final blend. Most come from the Ornato vineyard, which contributes about 65% of the final blend. Pio Cesare owns a vineyard in Grinzane Cavour, which contributes bouquet, while the family also receives grapes from growers in Monforte d'Alba (for depth and suppleness) and Castiglione Falletto (for finesse). These growers have worked with Pio Cesare for generations and rely upon Pio's direction in vineyard practice. It is the contributing factor of these sites that ultimately allow Pio to craft a Barolo that maintains a reputation of excellence.
Pio Cesare has been producing wine for more than 100 years and through generations. The tradition began in 1881, when Pio Cesare started gathering grapes in his vineyards and purchasing those of some selected and reliable farmers in the hills of Barolo and Barbaresco districts.
At Pio Cesare, there has always been a conviction that great wine can come only from the finest grapes and the winery's output has always been limited through adherence to the highest standards. Pio Cesare limits its production by using only the most mature and healthy grapes. The ripening of the grapes is carefully monitored and the harvest is rigidly controlled with each grape selected by hand.
Today, the estate is managed by Pio Boffa, great-grandson of Pio Cesare. Under his stewardship, the wines of Pio Cesare have become famous throughout the world. Great strides have been made in quality, and single-vineyard offerings have dazzled the winepress.
95 Points -Wine Spectator
91 Points -The Wine Advocate
