Pio Cesare
Overview
Pio Cesare is one of Piemonte’s most historic and respected estates, based in Cuneo with vineyards spanning the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. Founded in 1881, the estate is today run by the Boffa family (5th generation). A respected classicist — their wines are raised primarily in large French oak botti, with a modest 10% finishing in one-wine French barriques. The estate produces multiple single-vineyard Barolos, a Barbaresco “Il Bricco” monopole, and a variety of Langhe wines. VFTC #117 covers the 2021 vintage of their key Barolo and Barbaresco bottlings, with Gilman assigning 92–94 point scores throughout.
Appellations
- Barolo — “Pio” (blend including 50% La Morra fruit), “Mosconi” (old vine, Monforte d’Alba; vines planted 1945–1971), “Ornato” (Serralunga; old vine cru)
- Barbaresco — “Pio” (all Treiso township), “Il Bricco” (monopole, Treiso; red-fruited, elegant)
- Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbera d’Alba, Chardonnay, others
Key Wines
- Barolo “Ornato” — Serralunga cru; 90% botti + 10% first-year Burgundy casks; 14.5% typical; very structured; 94 points 2021
- Barolo “Mosconi” — Monforte d’Alba; old vine (1945–1971); 94 points 2021; elegant
- Barolo “Pio” — blend; 50% La Morra; 93 points 2021
- Barbaresco “Il Bricco” — monopole, Treiso; 10% barriques + 90% botti; red-fruited, perfumed; 94 points 2021
- Barbaresco “Pio” — all Treiso township; 10% one-year barriques + rest botti; 92+ points 2021
Style Notes
Classical Piedmontese approach with a slight modernizing touch (the 10% barrique component). Wines are structured for very long aging — Gilman’s 2021 drink windows all extend to 2100 for the Barolo crus. The Treiso-based Barbarescos have an inherently more red-fruited, elegant personality than their Barolo counterparts. The Serralunga Ornato is the most structured and Barolo-typical of the lineup.
Gilman Scores (VFTC #117, May-June 2025)
| Wine | Vintage | Score | Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barolo “Ornato” | 2021 | 94 | 2045–2100 |
| Barolo “Mosconi” | 2021 | 94 | 2048–2100 |
| Barbaresco “Il Bricco” | 2021 | 94 | 2042–2100 |
| Barbaresco “Pio” | 2021 | 92+ | 2041–2100 |
| Barolo “Pio” | 2021 | 93 | 2045–2100 |
My Tastings
(none yet)
Sources
- VFTC #117 (John Gilman, May-June 2025), pages 102–129 (Italian section)