Barolo Riserva Ornato (2013)

About this wine

The 2013 Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato offers a complex bouquet of ripe wild raspberries, earthy notes, and hints of truffle. On the palate, it presents a full-bodied structure with firm, tightly woven tannins that provide depth and longevity. Flavors of dark fruit are complemented by subtle spice and a touch of tobacco, reflecting the unique terroir of the Serralunga d'Alba region. This wine is known for its great structure and concentration, with ripe fruit, soft tannins, and tobacco notes. The 2013 vintage is particularly notable for its balance and aging potential, making it a standout example of traditional Barolo craftsmanship.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 2013 Pio Cesare Barolo Riserva Ornato, is renowned for its late ripening and high tannins, requiring careful cultivation. The Ornato vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba, with its calcareous clay soil, produces Nebbiolo grapes that contribute to the wine's robust structure and aging potential. Pio Cesare's approach involves fermenting these grapes in stainless steel with a 30-day maceration, followed by aging in large oak casks for about 30 months, enhancing the wine's complexity. This meticulous process highlights the unique qualities of Nebbiolo from this esteemed vineyard.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2013 vintage of Barolo Riserva Ornato by Pio Cesare is crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, renowned for their high acidity and tannins, contributing to the wine's remarkable aging potential.
• 🏞️ Pio Cesare's Ornato vineyard, located in Serralunga d'Alba, is celebrated for its poor, compact soil, which imparts great structure and longevity to the wine.
• 🌦️ The 2013 vintage benefited from a cooler growing season, leading to a long, slow ripening period that enhanced the wine's depth, concentration, and aromatic intensity.
• 🌹 Barolo wines, including the 2013 Riserva Ornato, are often described as having aromas of tar and roses, a signature characteristic of the Nebbiolo grape.
• 🏰 Pio Cesare, established in 1881, is one of the few remaining major wineries based in the center of Alba, with cellars dating back to the 1700s, showcasing a rich heritage in winemaking.

Palate profile

Producer

Pio Cesare, established in 1881 by Cesare Pio, is a historic winery located in Alba, Italy. It remains the only producer still operating in the old town center, a distinction honored by the use of Alba's crest on its labels. The winery owns over 75 hectares of premium vineyards across Barolo and Barbaresco regions, producing wines that reflect the rich terroirs of these areas. After the passing of the fourth-generation leader, Pio Boffa, in 2021, his daughter Federica Rosy and cousin Cesare Benvenuto now lead the family business, representing the fifth generation.