Ratings
The Wine Advocate 90 points (2017 vintage · Monica Larner); Vinous Media 90 points (2015 vintage · Antonio Galloni); Wine Spectator 89 points (2015 vintage · Bruce Sanderson)
Identity
| Producer | Pio Cesare |
| Vol | 0.75 |
| Classification | DOC |
| Grapes | 100% Barbera |
| Color | red |
| Sweetness | dry |
Tasting
| Color Desc | intense ruby red |
| Aroma | Aromas of blackberries, plums and ripe berry fruit with a touch of spice and tobacco. |
| Palate | Supple and juicy with great fruit and complexity. |
| Finish | Long finish with sweet, intense tannins bringing fullness and elegance. |
| Food Pairing | Serve with pork chops, braised lamb dishes, mushroom risotto, pizza, or pasta with sausage and meatballs. |
| Aging Potential | Can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years from vintage. |
Profile
Acidity (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Body (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Aroma (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Astringency (1-5)
AVERAGE
Minerality (1-5)
AVERAGE
Enology
| Aging Process | Aged in medium-toasted French oak barriques (25%) and 20-50 hectolitre casks (75%) for 11 months. |
| Fermentation | Fermented at 25 to 26°C in stainless steel tanks with skin contact for 15 days. |
Terroir
| Harvest Type | manual |
| Harvest Desc | Hand-picked grapes from family-owned vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato e Colombaro), Sinio (Val di Croce), Diano d’Alba, Treiso (Bongiovanni), and Monforte d’Alba (Mosconi). |
Interesting facts
| Pio Cesare was established in 1881 and is run by the fifth generation. It was one of the first producers to believe in the potential of Piemonte wines and to export to the UK. The winery applies a minimal intervention philosophy. |