Pio Cesare Barolo 2022 750ml

Pio Cesare · Barolo DOCG · Piedmont, Italy · 2022

Founded in 1881, Pio Cesare is one of Barolo's historic houses. Its flagship Barolo brings together Nebbiolo from multiple sites across the appellation, combining fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Novello and Monforte d'Alba in a single expression of the region.

The 2022 reviews describe a rich, succulent wine shaped by a hot, dry growing season. Black cherry and blackberry meet balsamic herbs, dusty earth, black tea and dried cherry. Savory iron, thyme blossom and blood orange add detail, while integrated tannins provide a firm framework and a lingering mineral finish.

The Producer

Pio Cesare's long tradition centers on the character of Nebbiolo and the complementary qualities of Barolo's vineyards. This multi-site approach is reflected in the 2022 bottling.

Expert Reviews · 2022 Vintage

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 Points: The Pio Cesare 2022 Barolo shows the fleshed-out texture and power of this hot and dry vintage, offering a degree of succulence and richness that only comes to Nebbiolo in arid growing seasons that result in more concentrated fruit. There is a darkness to the wine that comes through as black cherry and blackberry, and there is a hint of tightness to the tannins that are otherwise well managed and already on their way to integration. The wine reflects the warm conditions seen across the Langhe in 2022, where reduced yields and steady summer heat produced Barolos with extra density and early accessibility. This wine is a blend of fruit from Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato, La Serra and Briccolina), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava and Garretti), La Morra (Roncaglie), Novello (Ravera) and Monforte d'Alba (Mosconi).

Decanter, 93 Points: Pio Cesare’s historic Barolo takes its lion’s share from Serralunga. Vineyards in Monforte, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra and Novello round it out. A solid showing in 2022 makes another strong case for blending. Delightful from the get-go, it exhibits balsamic herb, dusty earth, black tea and dried cherry. Elegantly weighted but properly mouth filling, the palate brings in savoury iron, thyme blossom and a blood orange tang. Sweet tannins are seamlessly embedded giving crisp structure. Firm yet friendly. 

James Suckling, 97 Points: One of the best Barolos that Pio has ever made. A perfumed wine, slightly but pleasantly old-fashioned and full of personality. Open, generous aromas of mint, flowers, wild strawberries and pomegranate join vibrant violets and bergamot. Full-bodied and very juicy with firm, grainy tannins, well integrated and polished. Delicious licorice flavor, a bit chocolaty, with persistent acidity and a savory umami finish. Impressive and classic. Drink or hold.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Pair with braised short ribs, osso buco, truffle risotto, wild boar ragù or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve slightly below room temperature and allow time in a decanter to explore its evolving aromas.

Wine Details

• Producer: Pio Cesare
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Size: 750ml