Barbaresco Pio Cesare 1969
Founded in 1881 by Cesare Pio, Pio Cesare is a defining winery located in the heart of Alba. The founder broke with contemporary tradition by choosing to bottle his wine rather than selling it in barrels. The estate's historic roots are evident in its wine cellar, which features walls dating back to the Roman era around 50 BC. Today, the winery is managed by the fifth generation, Federica Boffa and Cesare Benvenuto, who maintain a balance between tradition and modernity. Pio Cesare played a significant role in introducing the area's wines to a global audience, being among the first Italian producers to export seriously to the United Kingdom in the 1950s. The estate's historical significance is further highlighted by early accolades, including gold and silver medals from exhibitions in Asti in 1898, Turin in 1902, and Brussels in 1910, along with an export gold medal from Cuneo in 1955.
This 1969 Denominazione di Origine Controllata red wine is produced exclusively from Nebbiolo, an Italian top grape variety predominantly cultivated in the Barolo and Barbaresco areas. The wine originates from Barbaresco, a classic district located in the Langhe hills east of Alba. Within this appellation, Pio Cesare owns the Il Bricco vineyard in Treiso, one of the highest-altitude sites in the area, where cooler temperatures influence the vines. The 1969 vintage received a score of 83 points and is described as having fine acidity, though slightly thin.
Barbaresco is situated in Piedmont, a prestigious wine region in northwestern Italy bordered by the Alps. Translating to "at the foot of the mountain," Piedmont is characterized by dramatic, steep hills that are frequently enveloped in thick autumn morning fog. This natural phenomenon protects the grapes and ensures a long, perfect ripening period. The region is celebrated for its small, passionate, family-run wineries with a profound focus on terroir, as well as its rich gastronomy, which includes the exclusive white truffles of Alba and local hazelnuts.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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