Pio Cesare Barolo 2019
- wa95
- we94
- ws92
- jd92
Category | Red Wine |
Varietal | |
Brand | Pio Cesare |
Origin | Italy, Piedmont, Barolo |
Alcohol/vol | 14.5% |
The Pio Cesare winery has been producing wines for 135 years through five generations, in its ancient cellars in the center of the town of Alba. Founded in 1881 by Cesare Pio, the estate produced a small and select quantity of wines from the hills of Barolo and Barbaresco from the onset. Cesare Pio was dedicated to the terroir of the Piedmont region and to producing wines of the highest quality.
Over the years, Cesare Pio built a thriving business. His entrepreneurial spirit encouraged him to travel throughout Europe in the early 20th century to publicize and promote Pio Cesare’s wines. His passport, which is proudly displayed at the winery in Alba, bears the number 55. His son, Giuseppe Pio, the second generation, found himself with a thriving winery at the turn of the century. He carried on his father’s passion and invested in expansion of the cellars and the trade, making Pio Cesare a benchmark brand for the wines of the region.
In 1940, Giuseppe Pio’s only child, Rosy, married Giuseppe Boffa, a young and well-known engineer from Alba, who managed a large company in Milan at the time. Then Italy began to struggle during the Second World War, Giuseppe Boffa decided to leave his job in Milan to dedicate himself to the Pio Cesare winery. Thanks to his efforts, the Pio Cesare brand gained fame and prominence both domestically and internationally, becoming one of the most respected names among Italian wine producers, with a special focus on its renowned Barolo. Rosy and Giuseppe Boffa named their youngest son Pio, in honor of his great-grandfather’s surname. Pio Boffa, the fourth generation, leads and directs the company today. In the early 1990’s Pio Boffa asked his cousin Augusto to join him in the company. His sister’s son, Cesare Benvenuto, has been active since 2000 as the fifth generation and recently Pio Boffa’s daughter, Federica Rosy, joined Pio Cesare, representing the future of the Family.
Today, the family members travel extensively to more than 50 countries around the world, echoing what Cesare Pio himself did at the beginning of the family's wine history—promoting the name and reputation of the Pio Cesare winery to restaurants, hotels, wine shops and wine lovers worldwide.
This vintage has extraordinary elegance, complexity and character. Silky and intense bouquet. Full body, great structure, right tannins, incredible ageing potential, precise and classic Nebbiolo style. The wine has sweet and very elegant tannins. It still needs one year in oak for the best maturation.
Wine Advocate
- wa95
Pio Cesare does a great job with its classic 2019 Barolo (in production since 1881). The bottom of the front label reads "Barolo Pio" in memory of the legendary Pio Boffa. He was a wine entrepreneur who gained the immediate respect and love of all those who knew him. He passed away tragically during the COVID-19 pandemic just as the vaccines were being rolled out. This is a large production of about 70,000 bottles with fruit sourced from across seven vineyards in five villages. Despite those ambitious numbers, the wine remains strictly focused on bright Nebbiolo fruit with red cassis and aniseed. The finish is smooth with tannins that elegantly dissolve over the palate.
Wine Enthusiast
- we94
The historic house of Pio Cesare is making some of its best wines today. This classic highlights the purity of Nebbiolo with lifted tart red fruit notes combined with sweet and savory spices followed by subtle notes of flowers and earth. Sour cherry flavors define the palate with gentle tannins, savory herbs and a vibrant finish. Drink now-2035.
Wine Spectator
- ws92
A savory version, displaying macerated cherry and currant fruit aligned with eucalyptus, rosemary and earth flavors. Dense and lively, ending with a solid grip of tannins. Fresh and on the austere side. Best from 2026 through 2042. 5,800 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd92
A touch more reserved at the moment, the 2019 Barolo reveals notes of pure red fruit, cherry, grenadine, dusty earth, and menthol. It is gripping with structure and rich with tea leaf, cherry, and turned soil. Drink 2024-2035.
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wa91Wine Advocate
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ws91Wine Spectator
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st91International Wine Cellar
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we91Wine Enthusiast
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js91James Suckling
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bs91Bottle Shop
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jd91Jeb Dunnuck
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