Pio Cesare : Barolo 2022

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for Pio Cesare Barolo 2022

Tasting

Appearance
A ruby to garnet red colour of beautiful intensity, characteristic of the youth of its grape variety.

Nose
Subtle and complex, it reveals superb aromas of ripe red fruits and spices. Notes of cherry, strawberry, peach and grapefruit zest intermingle with floral touches of rose, cumin and five-spice.

Palate
This wine proves to be complete, balanced and endowed with a pleasing finesse. The creamy acidity harmonises with structured, chalky and delicate tannins. The palate offers flavours of wild strawberry and aromatic herbs such as thyme and rosemary, underpinned by mineral, cedar and toasted wood nuances. The finish is long.

Food and wine pairings
Ideal with braised meats, particularly veal, pork or duck. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh egg pasta served with a meat sauce, as well as dishes featuring mushrooms or truffles. As for cheeses, opt for structured yet mild varieties such as Grana Padano or tomme. Simple roasted hazelnuts also make an excellent accompaniment.

Serving and cellaring
This Barolo 2022 is already wonderfully approachable but offers excellent ageing potential. It can be kept in the cellar to be enjoyed until around 2034.

The authentic expression of a great Piedmont Barolo by Pio Cesare

The estate
Founded in 1881 by Cesare Pio in the heart of Alba, in Piedmont, the Pio Cesare House is a historic benchmark. Today led by the fifth generation, represented by Federica Boffa Pio and Cesare Benvenuto, the estate extends over 75 to 80 hectares. The property stands out for its ancient cellars located beneath Roman walls and for its natural winegrowing philosophy. This iconic brand perpetuates the tradition of blending different terroirs to express the full complexity of its appellation.

The vineyard
The grapes come from nine distinct plots spread across the Barolo appellation, located in the communes of Serralunga d'Alba, Monforte d'Alba, Novello, La Morra and Grinzane Cavour. The vines, some of which reach almost 400 metres in altitude, thrive on soils composed of limestone and clay. The estate practises a form of viticulture that respects biodiversity, with natural grass cover and rigorous yield management.

The vintage
The year was marked by extreme weather conditions. After a winter without precipitation and a mild spring, the summer proved particularly hot and dry, leading to severe drought. A few welcome showers in July and September helped preserve the vines. These climatic challenges led to an early harvest and a significant drop in yields, yet produced healthy and highly concentrated berries.

Vinification and ageing
For this Barolo 2022, fermentation and a long skin maceration take place in stainless steel tanks. After a meticulous blending of the various plots, the wine ages for nearly 24 months in large French and Eastern European oak casks, while a small proportion rests in French oak barrels. A lengthy bottle ageing then perfects the whole before its release.

Grape variety
100% nebbiolo.