Wine Advisor
Pio Cesare, Barolo 2010
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Pio Cesare's 2010 Barolo is terrific. Dark red cherries, plums, lavender, smoke and savory herbs open up in the glass, followed by hints of orange peel and white pepper that add both lift and a hugely appealing element of exoticism. The firm, incisive tannins are going to need a few years to settle down. There is a lot to like in this classic, old-school leaning Barolo. The 2010 was made from less well-exposed parcels in Ornato, along with parcels in Collareto and Briccolina, both of which are in the same general area of Serralunga, plus dollops of fruit from La Morra and Grinzane Cavour, virtually all of it estate fruit.
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2010 Barolo is a great fall back wine for those who want to know the flavor profile of a classic, well-made Barolo. This is a textbook wine, especially in the exceptional 2010 vintage. Black fruit and prune is folded together with delicate tones of cigar ash, crushed mineral, licorice, white truffle and dried raspberry. The tannins are firm, but polished and the wine leaves a lasting imprint of dark fruit and cola on the elegant finish. Drink: 2016-2028. Importer: Maisons Marques & Domaines; www.mmdusa.net
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A fascinating aromas of crushed berries, flowers and light hazelnut. Roses. Violets. Full bodied and super structured with wonderful length and powerful. So much depth to this. Incredible. Savory. Better in 2016 but hard not to drink it.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Pio Cesare's 2010 Barolo is terrific. Dark red cherries, plums, lavender, smoke and savory herbs open up in the glass, followed by hints of orange peel and white pepper that add both lift and a hugely appealing element of exoticism. The firm, incisive tannins are going to need a few years to settle down. There is a lot to like in this classic, old-school leaning Barolo. The 2010 was made from less well-exposed parcels in Ornato, along with parcels in Collareto and Briccolina, both of which are in the same general area of Serralunga, plus dollops of fruit from La Morra and Grinzane Cavour, virtually all of it estate fruit.
About the Producer
Located in the Piedmont region of Italy, Pio is one of the oldest wineries in the region and was named one of Wine Spectator's "10 Best Wineries in the World" in 2002. Pio was founded in 1881 by the current owner's great-great-grandfather, Cesare Pio. He was one of the first winemakers and one of the first to adhere to a philosophy of winemaking dedicated to the terroir of the appellation and to the strict demands of quality. Since its foundation, Château Pio has been guided by a commitment to quality that has remained unchanged through four generations. The winery is currently headed by Boffa Pio, a descendant of the family. Today, Pio has over 50 hectares of vineyards in the best areas of Barolo and Barbaresco. In addition to its own vineyards, Bodegas Pio has established long-term partnerships with professional vintners who are responsible for all aspects of the vineyard's viticultural management. In terms of winemaking, Château Piau, under the leadership of its current owner, Boffa Piau, has pioneered the use of stainless steel tanks for the production of its wines. In addition, the winery reduces the amount of time the grapes are macerated on their skins, thus reducing the tannin content of the wine. What's more, the winery's hygiene standards are strictly controlled, resulting in wines that are very pure. Château Piau has a systematic approach to limiting the production of its wines in order to maintain a consistently high quality. 70% of its production is exported. In recent years, the winery has made several major investments in rebuilding the cellars and renovating the winery's equipment: the Roman Empire-era walls remain in place 12 metres underground; new fermenters have been built to take advantage of gravity and a new barrel ageing room has been installed; and new bottling and labelling equipment has been installed.
