Pio Cesare was founded in 1881 in the historic center of Alba by Cesare Pio, an entrepreneur. His passport, number 55 and one of the first issued in Italy, is displayed at the cellar. It's still a family business. The fifth generation, Federica and Cesare with their cousin Augusto, took over after Pio Boffa died in 2021.
The family has grown its own grapes only since Pio Boffa's time, the fourth generation. Today that means about 80 hectares, mainly in the Barolo and Barbaresco areas, spread across several villages, with many of the vineyards listed as MGA. Farming is integrated viticulture, SQNPI certified.
They blend vineyards from different terroirs, which was the classic way of making Barolo and Barbaresco in the late 19th century. Pio Cesare is also the only producer permitted to show the Alba coat of arms on its label.
Not tasted yet
I haven't reviewed a wine from Pio Cesare yet. They're on my Top 100 list, which is built from awards.