PIO CESARE Barolo 'Pio' DOCG - Piedmont 2021 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
The Pio Cesare Barolo 'Pio' DOCG 2021 is a distinguished wine crafted by the esteemed Pio Cesare winery in the Piedmont region of Italy. This vintage exemplifies the winery’s commitment to quality, showcasing a blend of carefully selected grapes from several renowned terroirs, including Serralunga d'Alba and La Morra. The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel to preserve the fruit’s pure expression and is aged for three years in mid-toasted French oak barrels. The result is a captivating wine with aromas of ripe blackcurrants, floral notes, and subtle spice. Rated 96 points by James Suckling, 94 points by The Wine Advocate, and 94 points by Wine Enthusiast, this Barolo pairs beautifully with roasted meats and rich dishes, promising an exquisite tasting experience.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The Pio Cesare Barolo 'Pio' DOCG 2021 is a distinguished expression of one of Italy’s most celebrated wines, produced by the esteemed Pio Cesare winery in the Piedmont region. This Barolo exemplifies the classic approach used by traditional Barolo families, harmoniously combining the unique characteristics of various terroirs within the appellation. This method allows for a wine that reflects the richness and diversity of the different communes from which the grapes are sourced.

The grapes for this vintage are carefully selected from the family-owned vineyards located in several prized areas, including Serralunga d'Alba (notable sites like Ornato, la Serra, la Briccolina, and Lirano), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava and Garretti), La Morra (Roncaglie), Novello (Ravera), and Monforte d'Alba (Mosconi). Each of these vineyards contributes its distinctive attributes to the final blend, enhancing the complexity and depth of the wine.

Vinification occurs in stainless steel tanks, allowing for a clean and precise expression of the fruit, with skin contact lasting about 30 days to extract colour and flavour. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for three years in mid-toasted French oak—70% in large 20 to 50 hectolitre casks and 30% in barriques. This careful aging process imparts subtle oak nuances that complement the fruit without overshadowing it.

The 2021 vintage presents a traditional Barolo profile, showcasing fresh fruit aromas alongside notes of floral elegance and hints of spice. The wine's intense colour and structure are matched by a balanced acidity, with gentle tannins that make it approachable at a relatively young age. This ensures that it embodies all the classic components characteristic of great Barolo vintages.

Overall, the Pio Cesare Barolo 'Pio' DOCG 2021 is a remarkable wine that combines tradition, quality, and the unique terroir of Piedmont, offering a delightful tasting experience for both enthusiasts and collectors alike. It embodies the essence of Barolo, making it a must-try for those seeking to explore the richness of this iconic Italian wine.

JAMES SUCKLING 96 points
This is very powerful and structured, with aromas of black truffles, graphite and hints of dried thyme and cedar. Medium- to full-bodied and chewy yet polished. Hints of terra cotta and dark fruit. The finish goes on and on. March 2024 release. Best after 2028.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Drink Date: 2026 - 2043
The Pio Cesare 2021 Barolo draws fruit from various sites, and like the Barbaresco, you get an excellent portrait of the vintage with balanced acidity, firm tannins and bright primary fruit. There is energy and vitality in this pretty Barolo with dried cherry, iris and subtle dustings of iron ore or rust.
Published: Jun 19, 2025

WINE ENTHUSIAST 94 points
Piedmont's stage opens with an elegant pas de deux of blueberries and cherries, pirouetting into a garden scene of just harvested herbs and violet petals. The performance continues as delicate spices weave through the air. Fine but commanding tannins conduct a symphony where fruit takes center stage, framed by earth and saline mineral notes in perfect harmony. A masterful composition that will enchant audiences for years to come. Drink Now - 2040 — Jeff Porter

DECANTER 92 points
Tasted by: Michaela Morris
(at Via Generale Govone, Alba, 06 Jan 2025)
Drinking Window: 2026 - 2036
Fresh and attractive with red currants, wild strawberry, brushwood and rosehip tea, it's quite full with some richness to the fruit but assertive tannins which step in to lend proper support. Long and evocatively earthy on the finish. With the passing of longtime patriarch Pio Boffa in 2021, this historic estate is now in the capable hands of his 20-something daughter Federica Boffa and nephew Cesare Benvenuto. Bringing together eight vineyards from five villages, this classic bottling demonstrates more immediate balance than the Ornato. It clearly serves a distinct purpose by providing a panorama of the zone and offering earlier drinking.

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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.