Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG 2016/2019

Barolo, situated at the heart of Piedmont, near the town of Alba. It is easily the most famous and iconic appellation of all Italian wines. It expresses the most complex, bold and age-worthy side of Nebbiolo variety. The local style of a structured dry red was first developed in mid 19th century, then quickly rose into fame in 20th century. By 1966, it became protected as a DOC appellation, subsequently became the first few names in Italy to gain DOCG status in 1980.

To make this wine, the vineyards within the appellation must have an elevation between 170m and 540m above sea level. 100% Nebbiolo grapes, and minimum alcohol level at 13%, no irrigation or chaptalization. And ageing for at least 38 months before release, including at least 18 months in barrels.

Under the rolling hills near Alba, geological formations include Serravaillian and Tortonian. They vary from sands, marl, limestone fragments, clay and silty. From which derive many styles and expression of Barolo, making Barolo’s profile complex and fascinating. At the moment, the wine laws recognize 181 of geographic indications within Barolo, of which 11 are communal. Due to Barolo’s general age-worthiness, large number of wine enthusiasts and collectors would invest in some of its elite brands’ production.

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization on June 22, 2014, added Barolo and Barbaresco to the list of World Heritage sites. The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato (Italy) joins about 1,000 other sites around the world that are recognized by UNESCO for their “outstanding universal value.” The designated site includes the Barolo DOCG communes of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello, and Serralunga d’Alba and the Barbaresco DOCG communes of Barbaresco and Neive.

Thus Barolo is no longer just a wine appellation for Italians to be proud of, rather a treasure for the entire humanity.

Pio Cesare is a family-owned vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato, La Serra and Briccolina), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava and Garretti), La Morra (Roncaglie), Novello (Ravera) and, since the 2015 vintage, our recently acquired vineyard in Monforte (Mosconi). This wine has been always and traditionally produced by our Family with grapes coming from different regions. This is the classic “formula” used by the ancient Barolo Families to produce a wine which embraces and combines each of the unique characteristics of the different vineyards and terroirs of the Barolo area.

The crushed grapes had been fermented and macerated in stainless steel, the skin contact and extended maceration lasted for 25-30 days, varies between lots. Then it had been aged in large French oak “botti” for about 30 months, and a small amount had also been aged in smaller barriques to gain some secondary characters. Released after the legal requirement for ageing fulfilled in bottles.