“A popular product in Italy and abroad, the Pio Cesare NV Vermouth di Torino opens to a dark copper or amber color. This is a fun and genuine expression, with candied almond, maple syrup, orange peel and medicinal herb. The blend of grapes at the bottom of this Vermouth is Chardonnay and Moscato, and you only just catch a fleeting glimpse of the floral aromas associated with the latter. This is a fun bottle for a creative mixologist. You might notice exotic hints of exotic spice or toasted cumin seed.”

“With fruit from the village of Serralunga d'Alba, the Pio Cesare 2017 Barolo Ornato exhibits a richer textural style and more concentrated fruit flavors compared to all the other Nebbiolo-based wines in this portfolio. Dark cassis and blackberry segue to black licorice and tarry smoke. Those signature hints of rusty nail, earth and candied orange peel that are so specific to this village are also quite evident. The wine shows structure and depth that will help it withstand extra cellar aging.”

“Now in its third vintage, this is the newest member of the extended Pio Cesare family. With fruit from the village of Monforte d'Alba, the 2017 Barolo Mosconi hits that sweet spot somewhere on the continuum between elegance and power. Perhaps this hot vintage (and its 14.5% alcohol content) inches a little closer to the side of power, but it does so in a most understated and graceful manner. The wine shows the freshness and lifted fruit that is normally associated with this special vineyard site.”

“The Pio Cesare NV Barolo Chinato pours from the bottle with a dark amber color with shiny chestnut highlights. This fortified digestif shows amazing purity and intensity, with aromas that you can list and identify clearly one by one. There is balsam and medicinal herb with minty cough syrupy, cola and candied orange peel. With time, you might also sense some Moroccan spice or toasted Spanish cedarwood. The alcohol content is registered at 16% although it surely feels much higher. Balanced sweetness wraps smoothly over the palate. I'm never quite sure how to assign a drinking window to Barolo Chinato, and it is ostensibly built to last forever.”

“This is a Barolo that's easy to drink but it's far from simple. Restrained aromas of rose, dark fruits and orange leaf are followed by a firm and tannic palate, although it's also crisp, lively and refreshing. It has a grainy youthful texture and an austere finish with good length. It will improve with age.”