PIO CESARE Barolo 'Ornato' DOCG - Piedmont 2021 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
The Pio Cesare Barolo 'Ornato' DOCG 2021 is an exceptional expression of Nebbiolo that showcases the estate's dedication to quality. This vintage presents a captivating bouquet of ripe cherry, rose, and violet, enriched by hints of spice, leather, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it is full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with silky tannins that provide a luxurious mouthfeel. Lively acidity enhances its structure, ensuring vibrancy and freshness. Rated 98 points by James Suckling and 95 by The Wine Advocate, this Barolo is perfect for immediate enjoyment while also holding excellent aging potential. It pairs exquisitely with roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses, making it a remarkable addition to any fine wine collection, capturing the rich complexity of Piedmont Nebbiolo.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The Pio Cesare Barolo 'Ornato' DOCG 2021 is a remarkable expression of Nebbiolo, showcasing the estate's dedication to producing high-quality wines that embody the essence of the Piedmont region. Renowned for its craftsmanship, Pio Cesare has a longstanding history of excellence, and the 2021 vintage of 'Ornato' exemplifies this tradition.

In the glass, the wine presents a captivating bouquet filled with enticing aromas of ripe cherry, rose, and violet, which are seamlessly layered with hints of spice, leather, and subtle earthy undertones. This aromatic complexity invites exploration and reflects the unique terroir from which the grapes are sourced.

On the palate, the 2021 Barolo 'Ornato' is full-bodied and beautifully balanced, showcasing silky tannins that contribute to a luxurious mouthfeel. The lively acidity enhances the wine's structure, ensuring it remains vibrant and fresh. As the flavours unfold, one can expect a rich interplay of ripe fruit and nuanced layers, culminating in an elegant and layered profile that lingers on the finish.

This vintage is designed for immediate enjoyment, allowing wine enthusiasts to appreciate its complexity and finesse right away. However, it also possesses the potential for further development with age, promising to evolve beautifully over the years.

Pio Cesare Barolo 'Ornato' pairs exceptionally well with a variety of hearty dishes, such as roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses, enhancing the overall dining experience and showcasing its versatility.

In summary, the Pio Cesare Barolo 'Ornato' DOCG 2021 is an impressive wine that captures the rich complexity and timeless appeal of Piedmont Nebbiolo. With its captivating aromas, well-defined structure, and balanced character, it stands as a testament to the artistry of Pio Cesare, making it a prized addition to any fine wine collection.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
A juicy and fruity wine with round and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Complex aromas of oyster shells, terra cotta and tar. It’s medium- to full-bodied with tension and well-formed muscles, but always in balance and harmony. Very long aftertaste. Clearly a great wine. Drink after 2028.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 95 points
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Drink Date: 2026 - 2043
With fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, The Pio Cesare 2021 Barolo Ornato is deeper, darker and more powerful than the Mosconi. This wine shows aromas of blackberry and plum with smoky cigar, campfire ash and toasted spice. The texture is rich and all-encompassing. The wine shows good structure and freshness to close.
Published: Jun 19, 2025

DECANTER 94 points
Tasted by: Michaela Morris
(at Via Generale Govone, Alba, 06 Jan 2025)
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2040
The estate’s flagship MGA, Ornato has been produced since 1985, selected from the central part of the amphitheatre. Over the years, I have found the pronounced wood imprint has diminished, however it has not lost the robust, muscular signature of this site. The 2021 is classically austere and will require time to reveal its complexities. For now, it hints at iron, tar, scorched earth and cedar wood. Full but tight and absorbed in its rigid tannins, what gives this promise is the juicy acidity, the occasional flicker of fresh rose, and the overall polished texture.

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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.