Barbaresco Pio 2021

This Barbaresco DOCG comes from Piedmont, in the heart of the Langhe. It blends grapes from Pio Cesare's family vineyards spread across the Barbaresco area, notably in Treiso — Bricco di Treiso, Bongiovanni and San Stunet — as well as in San Rocco Seno d'Elvio, a hamlet of Alba, with Rocche Massalupo. This mosaic of hillsides and exposures expresses the many faces of Nebbiolo in the appellation.

The grapes ferment in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks and macerate on their skins for 20 days. Ageing is split between 35% of the wine in French oak barrels, one third of them new, for 30 months, and 65% in large 20- to 50-hectolitre French oak foudres for three years.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, strawberry, wild raspberry, redcurrant, blackberry, dried rose, white pepper, clove, mild tobacco, dried orange peel, eucalyptus, iodine and dry earth. The slender, concentrated palate rests on lively, precise acidity; firm yet refined tannins frame a round texture and a long, fresh and spicy finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!