{"title":"Pio Cesare","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"pio-cesare-barolo-2019","title":"Pio Cesare Barolo 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePio Cesare Barolo 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV Barolo DOCG made from 100% Nebbiolo sourced across five communes in Piedmont, Italy. This vintage earned 95 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and 95 points from Owen Bargreen, placing it among the top-rated wines from this storied estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2019  |  Producer: Pio Cesare\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePio Cesare has been producing wine in the heart of Alba since 1881, making it one of Barolo's oldest and most respected family estates. The 2019 Barolo follows the house's traditional multi-vineyard approach, blending Nebbiolo from family-owned parcels in Serralunga d'Alba (Ornato, la Serra, la Briccolina, Lirano), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava, Garretti), La Morra (Roncaglie), Novello (Ravera), and Monforte d'Alba (Mosconi). Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with 25 to 30 days of skin contact and maceration, followed by approximately 30 months of aging primarily in large French oak botti, with a small portion spending time in barriques.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with intense Asian spices and potpourri, layered with kumquat zest and freshly tilled earth. Pressed roses and anise emerge as the wine breathes, adding floral complexity and aromatic depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry reveals wild strawberry and raspberry liqueur, quickly expanding into guava fruit and tangerine peel at mid-palate. Firm, structured tannins grip the core, framing flavors of cherry, grenadine, and wet stone. A medium- to full-bodied weight carries through with tea leaf and turned soil adding savory dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and gripping, with dusty earth, menthol, and lingering cherry fruit that holds its presence. Fine-grained tannins persist alongside a subtle mineral thread that speaks to the wine's multi-commune sourcing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Pio Cesare Barolo\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe at 62–65°F in a large-bowled glass, ideally after 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to allow the complex aromatics to fully unfold. This is a wine built for the table and rewards patient sipping alongside food. A Barolo Negroni — substituting sweet vermouth for the Nebbiolo — plays off the wine's bitter cherry and herbal notes beautifully. For a refined aperitif riff, a Barolo Chinato-inspired spritz uses the wine's spice profile to stunning effect. In cooler months, a warm mulled wine preparation highlights the Asian spice and rose petal character already present in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for 10 to 20 years to watch the tannins evolve and soften\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Italian wine collector who appreciates traditional Barolo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a multi-course Italian dinner with braised meats or truffled dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarking a milestone vintage year — 2019 is widely regarded as excellent in Piedmont\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Pio Cesare Barolo taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with wild strawberry, cherry, and guava fruit framed by firm tannins and accented by Asian spice, rose petal, and dusty earth. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a long, mineral-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Pio Cesare Barolo compare to Barbaresco?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both Barolo and Barbaresco are made from 100% Nebbiolo in Piedmont and share aromatic profiles of roses, perfume, and cherry, but Barolo typically delivers more pronounced tannin structure and longer aging potential. Barbaresco's soils tend to produce wines with slightly softer tannins and earlier approachability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pio Cesare Barolo good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is a classic food-friendly red that also stands on its own when given adequate time to open in the glass. Decanting for at least 30 minutes is recommended to fully appreciate the aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Pio Cesare Barolo made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pio Cesare is based in Alba, in the Barolo DOCG zone of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The Nebbiolo grapes for this wine come from family-owned vineyards spread across five communes: Serralunga d'Alba, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Novello, and Monforte d'Alba.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Pio Cesare Barolo?\u003c\/strong\u003e Braised short ribs or ossobuco match the wine's tannic structure and earthy depth. Fresh egg pasta with white truffle mirrors the Piedmontese terroir. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano complements the cherry and spice notes. Wild mushroom risotto echoes the wine's damp earth character, while roasted lamb with rosemary stands up to the full body and firm tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Pio Cesare Barolo come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pio Cesare Barolo worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pio Cesare Barolo positions as a premium expression within the DOCG, and with 95 points from Wine Advocate and multi-vineyard sourcing from top communes, it delivers strong value relative to single-vineyard Barolo bottlings that command significantly higher prices.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Pio Cesare Barolo?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe multi-commune blending philosophy is central to what makes this wine distinctive — rather than showcasing a single cru, Pio Cesare weaves together the character of nine vineyard sites across five of Barolo's most respected communes to create a wine of layered complexity. The 95-point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and a matching 95 from Owen Bargreen confirm the 2019 vintage as one of the estate's strongest recent releases. With over 140 years of continuous family winemaking in Alba, Pio Cesare brings institutional knowledge to a wine that balances tradition — large oak botti aging, extended maceration — with measured modern refinement through partial barrique use. For collectors and drinkers seeking a Barolo that represents the full tapestry of the appellation rather than a single terroir snapshot, this is a benchmark expression.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pio Cesare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836857020585,"sku":"9496","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/pio_cesare_barolo__39271.jpg?v=1730473131"},{"product_id":"pio-cesare-barolo-oranto-2010","title":"Pio Cesare Barolo Oranto 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e is a single-vineyard Barolo from Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, made from 100% Nebbiolo at 14% ABV (750ml). Awarded 98 points by James Suckling, this flagship expression represents the very first single-vineyard Barolo produced by the Pio family, debuting with the 1985 vintage and remaining one of the estate's most celebrated bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2015  |  Producer: Pio Cesare\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePio Cesare, founded in 1881 in the heart of Alba, is one of Piedmont's most historic family-owned estates. The Ornato vineyard sits at over 1,450 feet elevation on steep, well-drained slopes of white limestone and clay — a terroir that produces structured, long-lived Nebbiolo. The 2015 was fermented in stainless steel with approximately 15 days of skin contact, then aged for 36 months in French oak, split between 70% new barrels and 30% large 660-gallon casks. This balance of small and large oak gives the wine both modern polish and classical depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with balsamic eucalyptus and wild berry before unfolding into layers of rose, espresso, and tobacco. Deeper inspection reveals wet earth, mushroom, tar, and candied orange peel — a remarkably complex bouquet that continues to evolve in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate is full-bodied yet elegant, with Marasca cherry and cranberry arriving on entry alongside star anise and exotic spice. Mid-palate, the wine turns plush and dense, revealing blackberry and licorice wrapped in smooth, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps everything balanced and lifts the generous fruit through to the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and fluid, with sweet red fruit lingering against a backbone of supple tannins. Notes of tar, spice, and earthy minerality persist well after the final sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Barolo Ornato 2015\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wine built for contemplation — serve it at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass, ideally after decanting for at least an hour. Neat sipping reveals its full complexity, though it also stands up beautifully alongside food. A classic Negroni Sbagliato substituting sparkling wine with a small pour of this Barolo adds remarkable depth. A Barolo Spritz with a splash of bitter liqueur and sparkling water highlights the wine's cherry-spice character in warm weather. For a refined pairing cocktail, a red wine Manhattan using Ornato in place of sweet vermouth brings its tannic structure and dark fruit into a stirred format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for a special anniversary or milestone 5–15 years out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Italian wine collector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a Barolo vertical tasting or vineyard comparison dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course Piedmontese meal featuring truffles and braised meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Barolo Ornato 2015 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a full-bodied, densely structured Nebbiolo dominated by Marasca cherry, wild berry, espresso, and exotic spice, with earthy undertones of tar, mushroom, and tobacco layered across fine-grained tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Barolo Ornato compare to Pio Cesare Barolo Mosconi?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are single-vineyard Barolos from Pio Cesare, but Ornato hails from Serralunga d'Alba — known for power, tannin, and longevity — while Mosconi comes from Monforte d'Alba and tends toward a slightly rounder, more immediately approachable profile. Ornato is the estate's original single-vineyard Barolo, first produced in 1985, giving it a longer track record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Barolo Ornato 2015 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its layered aromatics, balanced acidity, and polished tannins make it an ideal candidate for unhurried neat sipping, especially after a proper decant of one to two hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Barolo Ornato made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Pio Cesare, headquartered in Alba, Piedmont, Italy, from the estate's Ornato vineyard in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba at over 1,450 feet elevation on white limestone and clay soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Barolo Ornato 2015?\u003c\/strong\u003e Braised short ribs or osso buco complement its tannic grip and dark fruit. White truffle risotto mirrors the wine's earthy complexity. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano echoes its savory, balsamic notes. Wild boar ragù over fresh pappardelle matches its power, and roasted lamb with rosemary aligns with the herbal-spice character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Barolo Ornato 2015 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Barolo Ornato 2015 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium single-vineyard Barolo from a top vintage and an estate with over 140 years of history. With 98 points from James Suckling and 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, it competes strongly with other elite Serralunga Barolos and rewards both near-term drinking and long-term cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Barolo Ornato 2015?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ornato vineyard holds a singular place in Pio Cesare's history as the family's first single-vineyard Barolo, introduced in 1985 and consistently among the most acclaimed wines of the estate. The 2015 vintage — widely regarded as exceptional across Piedmont — delivered ripe, concentrated fruit that was shaped by 36 months in carefully proportioned French oak. Scoring 98 points from James Suckling, 95 from Wine Enthusiast, 93+ from Wine Advocate, and 93 from Wine Spectator, this release earned near-universal critical praise. Its combination of Serralunga power, limestone-driven minerality, and the warm generosity of the 2015 growing season makes it one of the most complete expressions the Ornato vineyard has produced.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pio Cesare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837729140905,"sku":"30843","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Pio-Cesare-Barolo-Oranto__09999.jpg?v=1730492267"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/pio-cesare.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}