Aromas of blackberries, plums and ripe berry fruit with a touch of spice and tobacco. On the palate this wine is supple and juicy with a great fruit and complexity.

Established in 1881, Pio Cesare, now run by fifth generation Pio Boffa, was one of the very first producers to believe in the potential and quality of the great wines of Piemonte and to export to the UK. A ceaseless devotion to the individuality of each of the region’s wines informs Pio’s choices in the vineyards and cellar. He applies a ‘minimal intervention’ philosophy to wine making, creating wines that year after year, are ranked among the world’s best wines.

The grapes for this wine come are sourced from the family owned vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato e Colombaro), Sinio (Val di Croce), Diano d’Alba and Treiso (Bongiovanni) and since the 2015 vintage from the recently acquired plot in Monforte d’Alba (Mosconi).

The grapes are hand-picked and gently pressed and fermented at 25 to 26°C. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with skin contact for 15 days. The wine is then aged in medium-toasted French oak barriques (25%) and 20-50 hectolitre casks (75%) for 11 months.

Serve with pork chops, braised lamb dishes, mushroom risotto, pizza or pasta with sausage, meat balls.

Wine Spectator: 92 points

Top 100 wines of 2021 Wine Spectator