**Nebbiolo grapes.** *Photo: @piocesare1881*

In the Piedmont region of Italy lies the picturesque Langhe region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest wines. Barolo is one of its most famous red wines, crafted exclusively in the town of Barolo from Nebbiolo grapes. With strict production and aging guidelines, Barolo wines embody a unique style, distinguished by high acidity, robust tannins, and remarkable aging potential.

Although other wines produced near the Barolo region, such as Barbaresco, Roero, Gattinara, and Ghemme, also employ the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo is considered by many to be the epitome of this noble grape’s expression.

A Winery Since 1881

Pio Cesare is a family-owned winery that, for five generations, has built a strong reputation for crafting Barolo and Barbaresco wines that capture the essence of Nebbiolo.

Pio Cesare 2018 Barolo (SRP $80.00) is sourced from several of the winery’s vineyards in Barolo and undergoes meticulous winemaking procedures, beginning with hand-harvested grapes that are then macerated for 30 days to extract rich color and complex flavors. Afterward, a 30-month aging period in Slavonian and French oak barrels helps soften the wine’s strong tannins.

**Patiently waiting its turn in the wine fridge.** *Photo: Lisa Denning*

**the gorgeous color revealed in the glass.** *Photo: Lisa Denning*

The wine exhibits classic Barolo aromas of tar and rose petals in the glass, accompanied by red fruits like strawberry, raspberry, dried cherry, and plum. The wine unfolds on the palate with multiple layers of flavor: the aforementioned tar, rose petals, and red fruit, but also subtle hints of leather, mushroom, and hazelnut. The wine's complex taste is framed by zippy acidity and round, grippy tannins, alluding to the wine's youth and potential for further development.

One remarkable feature of the wine is its surprising 14.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Despite the higher alcohol content, this wine maintains an impressive balance, a testament to skillful winemaking techniques.

Although enjoyable now, the Pio Cesare 2018 Barolo will benefit from additional aging of at least five to ten years to allow the tannins to mellow. But if you can’t wait and choose to drink it now, as I did, it is absolutely delicious! In this case, I recommend decanting the wine for a minimum of one hour or, even better, two or three hours.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The complex flavors, strong tannins, and bright acidity of the 2018 Pio Cesare Barolo pair wonderfully with rich and savory dishes: roasted meats, truffle risotto, mushroom-stuffed ravioli, and aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Toscano, and aged Gouda.

Buon appetito!