“Piodilei” Chardonnay Langhe DOC 2023 · MAGNUM in gift box

Pio Cesare | Piedmont
Pio Cesare | Via Cesare Balbo 6 | IT 12051 Alba

05360723 · 1,5 l · 65,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available

"Pio di lei", for the ladies. A name that pays homage to the strong women of the Pio Cesare family. When Pio Boffa planted the first Chardonnay vines in 1981, it was a revolutionary act in the Langhe. Here, in the realm of Nebbiolo, where Barolo and Barbaresco have reigned supreme for centuries, growing a French white wine bordered on heresy. But Pio had a vision: to create a white wine that possessed the body, complexity and ageing potential of the great reds. The first vintage was released in 1985. Today, almost four decades later, his daughter Federica is carrying on the legacy and proving that the women of this family are not merely the namesakes, but the architects.

The grapes come from two vineyards that could not be more different: Il Bricco in Treiso, in the Barbaresco region, where it all began in 1981 – this is where the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Langhe are rooted. Since 2019, these have been complemented by Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a prestigious Barolo vineyard. Both vineyards are situated on the coolest and highest slopes, are harvested late when the grapes have reached full physiological ripeness, and yield very low yields. Fermentation begins in stainless-steel tanks, then moves to French barriques – a third of which are new – where it is completed. Eight months' ageing on the fine lees in the barrels, followed by a further nine months' bottle ageing before release. Minimal intervention, maximum respect for the terroir.

Bright straw yellow with green highlights. Intense aromas of baked apples, honey, honeysuckle and lemon zest, accompanied by notes of vanilla and flint. Medium-bodied on the palate with a solid core of fruit, creamy and spicy at the same time, with phenolic tension lending structure and focus. Elegantly integrated oak, never overpowering. Mineral freshness carries through to the long finish. Federica says: "Piodilei tastes like Burgundy." And she's right – this Chardonnay doesn't scream 'France', but it exudes the same sense of gravitas. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pio Cesare 2023 Langhe Chardonnay Piodilei strikes a great balance between freshness and light texture, giving this Piedmont white impressive range when it comes to food pairing. The bouquet is redolent of stone fruit, golden apple and hints of preserved lemon that lead to a tangy finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2023 vintage exudes a wonderful self-assurance: Notes of baked orchard fruits and heady blossoms, with a hint of toasted hazelnuts and cream, unfold with that calm, well-earned authority that only decades of mastery can produce. A lively, crisp acidity perfectly frames this beautiful overall profile." Wine Enthusiast

"An intense Chardonnay with aromas of baked apples, honey, honeysuckle and lemon zest, and hints of vanilla and flint on the nose. It is medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a lively finish. Rich in flavour and vibrant." James Suckling