Pio Cesare - Barolo Ornato

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2020 Barolo DOCG

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2020 is the single-vineyard Barolo from this historic estate in Alba, originating from the Cascina Ornato cru in Serralunga d'Alba . Ornato is the powerful, muscular face of Pio Cesare, with old Nebbiolo vines on an amphitheater-shaped, south-facing slope. Is Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2020 a wine for long-term cellaring?

Vineyards and region

The grapes for Barolo Ornato 2020 come from Italy, from Piedmont, the Barolo DOCG, and the Cascina Ornato cru in Serralunga d'Alba. The vineyard forms a natural basin with full southern exposure, from early morning to late afternoon, allowing Nebbiolo to ripen optimally without losing its freshness. The soil consists of calcareous marl and clay with sandy inclusions, typical of Serralunga d'Alba, which translates into powerful tannins, plenty of structure, and a distinct mineral undertone in the wine.

Ornato was one of the Pio family's first major vineyard acquisitions in Serralunga d'Alba and is considered one of the estate's top plots within Pio Cesare. Only the finest microplots within the cru are selected for Barolo Ornato, and yields are deliberately kept low to maximize the intensity of the fruit and terroir. The family estate itself still stands within the old Roman city walls of Alba, where five generations of Pio Cesare have cultivated a classically oriented yet precisely executed style.

Vinification and maturation

The harvest for Barolo Ornato 2020 is entirely handcrafted, with strict selection of the bunches in the vineyard and upon arrival at the cellar. The grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at relatively high temperatures, with a long skin maceration of approximately 30 days, allowing color, aroma, and tannins to be gradually extracted from the skins. This classic Barolo vinification produces a robust structure, yet precise temperature control preserves the aromas' clarity and refinement.

After fermentation, the majority of the wine is aged for approximately 24 months in large French and Eastern European oak barrels. A smaller portion is also aged in French oak barriques for the first 12 months, which adds extra layering, sweet spices, and a subtle toasted note. After blending the individual batches, a further period of bottle aging follows in Alba's cellars, until the wine's structure has sufficiently melded. The result is a Barolo with serious power and concentration, yet with refined tannins and a remarkably precise, linear style, designed for long-term aging.

Grape composition

Nebbiolo – Cascina Ornato, Serralunga d'Alba
Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2020 is 100% Nebbiolo from selected microplots in the Ornato cru, where the combination of chalky marl, full southern exposure and low yields produces intense red fruit, powerful yet ripe tannins and a pronounced mineral character.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

In the glass, the 2020 Barolo Ornato reveals a ruby ​​red color with garnet reflections. The nose is complex and layered, with aromas of cherry and red currant, ripe strawberry and cranberry, combined with notes of rose petals, violets, white pepper, sweet spices, cocoa, and a hint of graphite and smoke. Swirling reveals more balsamic nuances, with hints of menthol, spice, and a touch of dried orange peel.

The palate is full and concentrated, with a core of pure red and dark fruit, tightly woven, ripe tannins, and a lively, almost snappy acidity that gives the wine length and tension. The texture is powerful yet polished, with a long finish in which fruit, spice, mineral notes, and subtle woody aromas linger. Ideally, serve Barolo Ornato 2020 at around 16–18°C in a large glass and allow the wine to air generously, especially in its youth, for example, 3 to 4 hours in a carafe. At the table, it pairs perfectly with slow-cooked beef, game stews, rack of lamb, rich mushroom dishes with truffles, and mature hard cheeses, where its power, freshness, and complexity can fully shine.

Awards

• 2020 – 98 p (James Suckling)
• 2020 – 95 p (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate)
• 2020 – 97 p (Decanter)