Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2019, Piemonte

Pio Cesare's Barbaresco showcases the winery's mastery in crafting Barbaresco wines, particularly from the Il Bricco and San Stefanetto vineyards in Tresio. The soil composition is reminiscent of Barolo's Serralunga d'Alba, imparting a similar character to the wine, yet achieving a velvety texture more swiftly. The grapes are meticulously handpicked and carefully sorted. After destemming, they undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with skin contact for 25-30 days. About 35% of the wine is aged in new French barriques for 30 months, while the remaining 65% matures in large French oak casks. The wine is then rested for an additional six months in Pio Cesare's cellars before release. This wine features a brick-red rim and offers aromas of roses, strawberries, plums, tar, orange peel, forest floor, and dried herbs. The palate reveals red fruit with a creamy texture, supported by a good acid structure and balanced tannins. This Barbaresco pairs beautifully with creamy pasta dishes featuring sautéed mushrooms and sage, grilled veal, or beef with root vegetables. It is recommended to decant the wine for 3-4 hours before serving, and it can be cellared for up to 20 years from the vintage year. 95 points - James Suckling, August 2022: "A classic Barbaresco with a solid core of fruit. Plenty of strawberries, cedar, and chewy tannins. Full-bodied and structured. Excellent length with tannins emerging at the finish. Should be cellared for at least four to five years. Best enjoyed after 2027."