Pio Cesare : Langhe Nebbiolo 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Langhe Nebbiolo 2023 by Pio Cesare

Tasting

Colour
The glass reveals a brilliant ruby red colour, enhanced by delicate violet highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with expressive notes of red fruits, reminiscent of raspberry and redcurrant. It then develops subtle floral hints of rose petals, complemented by mineral nuances evoking fresh earth and rock dust.

Palate
On the palate, this wine offers ripe, intense fruit while retaining a lovely freshness. With a robust body and solid structure, it stands out for its supple, almost soft tannins. The long, mineral finish leaves lingering aromas of red fruits and gentle spices, along with a fine tannic grip.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs beautifully with aged cheeses such as Parmesan or Tomme. It also enhances red meats, game (pheasant, partridge, venison) and slow-cooked dishes. Earthy preparations featuring mushrooms, truffles or aromatic herbs respond perfectly to it. It also makes an ideal accompaniment to fresh pasta with white truffles or a porcini risotto.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the Langhe Nebbiolo 2023, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 18 and 20°C, after decanting for 15 to 30 minutes. This wine can be enjoyed now to savour the brilliance of its fruit, but it will continue to evolve favourably until around 2031.

The elegance and freshness of a red wine from the Langhe

The estate

Founded in 1881 by Cesare Pio, the Pio Cesare estate is a true institution located in the heart of Alba, in Piedmont, Italy. For five generations, the family has upheld a savoir-faire focused on the authentic expression of terroir and minimal-intervention winemaking. Today, the estate is run by Federica Rosy Boffa and her cousin Cesare Benvenuto. They oversee this historic heritage, whose cellars rest upon ancient Roman walls, while continuing to produce wines renowned worldwide for their quality and their fidelity to the region.

The vineyard

The grapes destined for this cuvée come from carefully selected plots across the Langhe region. Planted on hillsides with varied exposures and altitudes, the vines thrive on a mosaic of soils composed of calcareous clay, compact marl, as well as alluvial and sandy soils. The estate favours sustainable viticulture, free of chemical products, promoting biodiversity through natural cover crops and the presence of pollinating insects. Rigorous green harvesting is also practised to limit yields and ensure the quality of the berries.

The vintage

The year 2023 was marked by unpredictable weather. May and June brought abundant rainfall, replenishing water reserves but also increasing fungal disease pressure. The summer then shifted towards extreme heat and intense drought in July and August, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. Fortunately, welcome rainfall at the end of August helped lower temperatures, allowing for a gentler final ripening and sun-drenched harvests that continued until mid-October.

Winemaking and aging

For the Langhe Nebbiolo 2023, fermentation and a long skin maceration take place in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity. After a careful blend of the different plots, the wine undergoes an 18-month aging process. This takes place mainly in large French and Eastern European oak foudres, complemented by a small proportion of French barrels. The wine then benefits from extended bottle aging before its release.

Grape variety

Nebbiolo