PIO CESARE Barbaresco DOCG - Piedmont 2017 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
The Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG 2017 is a distinguished wine that exemplifies Piedmont's winemaking heritage. Sourced from the family's esteemed vineyards in Treiso, including Il Bricco and San Stefanetto, this vintage reflects traditional Barbaresco practices. It presents an enchanting bouquet of ripe cherry, complemented by floral notes of rose and violet, with subtle hints of spice and earthy undertones. On the palate, the wine is elegantly structured, featuring velvety tannins and vibrant acidity that enhance its balance and freshness. With delicious flavours of juicy cherries leading to a long, silky finish, this vintage achieves 95 points from James Suckling and 92 points from The Wine Advocate, making it both approachable now and capable of significant aging potential for the future.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG 2017 is a remarkable wine that exemplifies the tradition and excellence of the Piedmont region's winemaking heritage. Crafted from carefully selected grapes sourced from the family’s vineyards in Treiso, including the renowned plots of Il Bricco, San Stefanetto, and Bongiovanni, as well as from San Rocco Seno d’Elvio (Rocche di Massalupo), this Barbaresco reflects the classic formula used by historic Barbaresco families. This approach combines the unique characteristics of various terroirs within the appellation, resulting in a wine that is a true representation of the region.

In the glass, the 2017 Barbaresco reveals an enchanting bouquet, showcasing enticing aromas of ripe cherry, alongside delicate floral notes of rose and violet. These bright scents are thoughtfully complemented by subtle hints of spice and earthy undertones, creating a complex and inviting aromatic profile that entices the senses.

On the palate, this vintage is elegantly structured, featuring velvety tannins that provide a smooth and refined mouthfeel. The wine maintains a bright, focused acidity, contributing to its overall balance and freshness. Flavours of juicy cherries and floral nuances unfold beautifully, leading to a long, silky finish that lingers on the palate.

The 2017 Pio Cesare Barbaresco is flavourful and well-balanced, showcasing the signature finesse of Nebbiolo. It is delicious and approachable now, perfect for enjoying with a variety of dishes, but it also possesses significant aging potential. With careful cellaring, the wine will evolve further, revealing deeper complexities over the years.

In summary, the Pio Cesare Barbaresco DOCG 2017 stands as a testament to the artistry of traditional Barbaresco winemaking. Its captivating aromas, elegant structure, and long-lasting finish make it a prized choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors, promising an exquisite tasting experience that honours the legacy of the Pio Cesare family.

JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
Aromas of dried orange, berry and hazelnut with hints of dried flowers. Tar, too. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and a juicy finish. The tannins are very fine and integrated. Chewy and encompassing flow across the palate. Very structured. Try after 2024.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 92 points
Drink Date: 2023 - 2037
The Pio Cesare 2017 Barbaresco is subtle and fine in personality, yet there is plenty of Nebbiolo elegance and complexity. Past vintages of this wine have shown enormous consistency when it come to their inner finesse, and this hot, more challenging vintage is no different. That's quite an accomplishment on its own. Tart cherry and cassis segue to spice, campfire ash, tobacco and dried lavender flower. Perhaps the tannic power of the wine is more robust but not by too much. - Monica Larner.

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ABOUT PIO CESARE
Pio Cesare is a revered winery located in the heart of the Piedmont region of Italy, renowned for its exceptional Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Founded in 1881 by Pio Cesare, the winery has remained a family-owned business for over 140 years, maintaining a strong commitment to quality and tradition while adapting to modern winemaking techniques.

The estate encompasses around 70 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with the noble Nebbiolo grape, along with Barbera, Dolcetto, and other varietals. The vineyards are located in some of the most prestigious areas of Barolo, including Serralunga d'Alba and Barolo itself, where the unique terroir—characterised by clay-limestone soils and favourable microclimates—contributes to the richness and complexity of the wines.

Pio Cesare’s winemaking approach is rooted in a deep respect for the local heritage and traditions of Piedmontese viticulture. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and undergo careful fermentation and aging processes. The iconic Barolo wines are typically aged in a combination of large oak casks and small French oak barrels, allowing for the development of nuanced flavours and aromas while maintaining the varietal integrity of Nebbiolo.

The portfolio of Pio Cesare includes a range of highly acclaimed wines, with the Barolo and Barbaresco at the forefront. These wines are known for their elegance, structure, and aging potential, often exhibiting flavours of dark fruit, floral notes, and hints of spice and tar, characteristic of the Nebbiolo grape. The winery also produces a selection of Barbera and Dolcetto wines, showcasing the diversity of the region.

Under the stewardship of the fifth generation of the Cesare family, Pio Cesare continues to honour its rich heritage while embracing innovation, ensuring that it remains a prominent name in the world of Italian wine. The winery's dedication to quality and tradition makes it a cherished producer in Piedmont, celebrated for its exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.