Pio Cesare has been producing wines for 135 years and through five generations in its ancient cellars in the center of the town of Alba.
The Pio Cesare winery was founded in 1881, by Cesare Pio. He was a very successful entrepreneur and was inspired to produce a small and select quantity of wines from the hills of Barolo and Barbaresco for himself, his family, friends, and customers. 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 our history—promoting the name and reputation of the Pio Cesare winery to restaurants, hotels, wine shops and wine lovers worldwide.
Pio Cesare Ornato Barolo is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
Vineyards
The very first Single Vineyard Barolo produced by the Pio Family, for the first time in 1985. Great structure, power, concentration, with a very long life. Produced in small quantities.
Vinification
In stainless steel tanks at high temperatures. Maceration for 30 days. Ageing In large oak “botti” for about 30 months; a small amount in French oak barriques for the first 12 months.
Review:
Complex on the nose, offering a blend of ripe red berries, nutty minerals, orange-peel and spice. Some savory, almost meaty notes, too. Full, compact and intense, yet there’s a graceful feel to the palate, thanks to the really fine web of tannin. Super polish and promise here. Classy. Needs some time.
-James Suckling 96 Points
Ruby red in color, this Amarone Riserva offers dense and smokey aromas of dark cherries, raisins, chocolate, and anise, framed by fruity tannins and a spicy finish. With the level of complexity and balance that this wine shows, it will evolve beautifully for 10+ years.
Review:
Dense garnet, with a nose of walnut husks, toasted black pepper, sour cherries and ash. Smooth and soft on the palate, with a full body and ripe, silky tannins balanced by zesty acidity. Lovely fruit with an extremely long, nutty aftertaste.
-James Suckling 95 Points
Bertrand Bachelet Maranges Rouge is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
The Maranges appellation is the youngest of the Côte de Beaune family, making its debut in May 1989. It spans three villages, namely Dezize-lès-Maranges, Cheilly-les-Maranges and Sampigny-les-Maranges. Several hills and slopes make up this appellation, all south/south-east-facing, at an altitude of between 200 and 400 metres. The Maranges 1ers Crus are spread over seven distinct villages.
'La Fussière' is the main village of the Maranges appellation and is located in the Cheilly and Dezize-les-Maranges areas.
When young, ideal with meat such as a rib of beef or filet mignon; when aged, it pairs wonderfully with dishes in spicy sauces.