The Pio Cesare 2021 Barolo draws fruit from various sites, and like the Barbaresco, you get an excellent portrait of the vintage with balanced acidity, firm tannins and bright primary fruit. There is energy and vitality in this pretty Barolo with dried cherry, iris and subtle dustings of iron ore or rust.

We are seeing some exciting Chardonnays from Piedmont in Northern Italy. The Pio Cesare 2022 Langhe Chardonnay Piodilei opens to pretty citrusy notes and ashy mineral tones. There is almond cream and spice at the back. The Piodilei paints an accurate portrait of the grape with a nice sense of creaminess.

An intense chardonnay with baked apples, honey, honeysuckle, lemon rind and hints of vanilla and flint on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a lively finish. Flavorful and vivid. Better in a year or two.

A bright red color, the 2021 Barbaresco Pio is focused, spicy, and pure on the palate. Coming mostly from Treiso, it offers notes of wild raspberries, clove spice, dried orange peel, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, it exhibits good linear tension and structured tannins, with a deeper structure derived from the Treiso soils, which are more akin to those of Barolo and will require time to soften. Drink 2025-2040.

From Chardonnay planted in 1979, the 2024 Langhe Chardonnay L'Altro includes the small addition of 5% Sauvignon Blanc,and is a brilliant silver/yellow hue. The nose is attractive and fresh, with notes of fresh flowers, linen, pear, and quince. Medium-bodied, it’s a fresh style with a springy lift, a refreshing feel, and zesty appeal. Drink it over the next 3-5 years.