Wines from Piedmont

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards at 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this nevertheless very elegant red. Buy, store and revel in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Combines fine fruit with a red berry background and a note of box sage typical of the winery, everything seems velvety and solid at first, towards the finish more and more of the wood comes through and overlays the fruit, in addition salty and with elegantly bundled fine radiance." Weinwisser

"Savory and tightly wound, with black cherry and plum fruit framed by juniper, menthol and licorice accents. Vibrant and firmly structured, this lingers with spice notes and a chalky feel on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of roses to the red fruits and dry earth aromas. Some lemon bush. It’s medium–bodied with chewy tannins and a leaner and fresh finish. Drinkable, but better in a couple of years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano continues its progression as the most improved of the Spinetta Barbarescos. Dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol, dried herbs, leather, sage and incense fill out the layers effortlessly. The tannins, often quite potent here, are present, they are nicely integrated in the wine's fabric. The Valeirano is the most savory and mineral (and least fruity) of the Spinetta Barbarescos." Vinous

"Packaged with the distinctive rhinoceros label, the La Spinetta 2019 Barbaresco Valeirano Vürsù has some ripeness and softness that is expressed with blackberry, plum and sweet spice. The wine is structured and full–bodied, but it also shows integrated tannins that support the wine in a firm but effortless manner." Wine Advocate

Barbaresco Starderi from the municipality of Neive is almost austere with its aroma of pink pepper and cocoa, which combined with the subtle woody notes gives a delicious overall aroma; powerful and rich taste with the still superficial but very noble tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"The La Spinetta 2019 Barbaresco Starderi Vürsù is perfumed and bright with dark rose and wild plum. The wine is solid and dense, with a pretty presentation of fruit that feels healthy and crunchy at the same time. The tannins are well integrated into this structured, full-bodied Barbaresco. The Starderi has shown a very consistent performance over the years." Wine Advocate

"A powerful red, yet well-defined too, with strawberry, cherry, floral, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors aligned to a muscular structure. Feels balanced overall, yet will take a few years to fully integrate." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi is terrific. Vertical and focused, the Starderi impresses with its energy, cut and drive. There's perhaps a bit less heft than in most years, but that is not a bad thing. Dark red cherry, raspberry, lavender and sage lend quite a bit of complexity to this substantial Barbaresco from La Spinetta. It will be interesting to see if the 2019 fleshes out with bottle age." Vinous

"From Starderi vineyard, located in Neive municipality, a vigorous Barbaresco, characterised by a great gustatory and olfactory balance. Nose of wild plum, then leech peel and closure of geranium. Mouthfeel with salty-sapid tannins, fruity-citrus finish." Luca Gardini

"Beautiful aromas of plums and violets with some flint. Full-bodied. Layered and softly chewy. Meat, berry and hints of cedar and nutmeg. Flavorful finish. Solid and very together with a softness at the back of the palate. Drink in 2026 and beyond." James Suckling

Fine, multi-layered scent of red fruits and berries, with hints of peach skin. As it progresses, earthy-spicy notes that radiate a certain austerity. Elegant on the palate, almost racy-mineral flow in the attack and course, uncommonly deeply staggered delicacy. Noticeable, complex tannin structure that is made to last, good freshness, great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Barbaresco Bricco di Treiso presents itself with more power and depth than the normal Barbaresco. Dark red stone fruit, menthol, spices, leather and some cedar wood on the nose. Powerful on the palate, even at a young age, with plenty of muscle power which, together with the harmoniously balanced tannin and acidity structure, suggests a great, long life with a promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a sparkling centre and delicately brightening rim. Great, appealing and open nose, of fresh cinnamon powder, ripe raspberries, plus some sealing wax and white pepper, savoury and inviting. Very elegant and polished on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, beautiful salinity and a very long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is a very beautiful, beguiling wine. Sweet red cherry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, mint and spices give the 2019 an impressive dimension and complexity. This deceptively medium-bodied Barbaresco shows great depth and power." Vinous

"Packed with cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavours, this red is restrained but harmonious and structured, with notes of iron, tobacco and undergrowth adding complexity in the long, dense aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Subtle, pure and pretty, this wine carries an intentional character. It offers dark cherry notes, both fresh and warmed, enhanced by sweet spice. Earthy and leathery undertones accompany fine but present tannins finishing with lifted acidity, built to last." Wine Enthusiast

"The fruit for this wine comes from the Bricco di Treiso MGA and immediately shows more softness and textural definition. The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is multi-layered and rich with black fruits, spices, tar and a sweet hint of cinnamon. Il Bricco offers more overall power and structure for longer ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"A solid and powerful Barbaresco with fantastic depth of fruit and multi-layered tannins. Full and so deep and concentrated, with great length and structure. Bark, berries, minerals and deep terroir and gravitas. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

Barolo Ornato is a great wine every year. With its wild herbs, minerals and ferrous notes, it captures the true character of Serralunga. Its bouquet shows small berry fruits and cassis, framed by gravel, forest floor, blue flowers and candied orange peel. The wine also has a dusty, mineral note and is very intense both on the nose and on the palate. Ornato starts with finely integrated tannins and an acidity that sustains all these fruit flavours. A wine that is consistently vertical, straightforward and frontal. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Nose of toast, mint, then fine raspberries and rosehips, fine earthy tones, cardamom. Great entry on the palate, deep and multi-layered, savoury, comes in several waves, lingers remarkably long and juicy." Falstaff

"An inviting red that offers ripe plums, cherries, earth, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco flavours. It becomes denser and slightly viscous on the finish, with earthy and herbal elements echoing. All components are present, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Ornato 2019 is a big, tightly wound Serralunga Barolo that needs time to unfold. Iron, white pepper, mint, dried herbs and orange peel open up, but with great restraint. Today, the Ornato is impenetrable. We'll see what happens over time." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Ornato comes from one of the most famous MGA vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba. The character of this wine is always characterised by structure and power, and these qualities are particularly evident in a vintage like 2019, which offers more concentrated fruit at the start. The Ornato is imbued with dark berry flavours that contrast with spicy tones, tar and smoke. It finishes with finely structured tannins." Wine Advocate

"The Ornato 2019 emphasises the special nature of this vineyard with its grace and structure, which combine to create pure class. Dark cherry flavours are nestled among wild herbs, flowers and savoury spices that grab and draw your attention with every sip. This robust and well-structured wine is built for the future, when all the parts relax into each other and show just how great this wine is." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine is beautiful with ultra-fine tannins, cherries, berries and flowers. Medium to full body. Wonderful length. Very classic in structure. Straightforward and racy. Taut on the finish. Give it four to six years in the bottle." James Suckling

"From Cascina Ornato, the first cru in the history of the estate, a sculptural Barolo with power and structure. Blackcurrant on the nose, notes of liquorice and peony. Salty on the palate, with liquorice notes on the finish." Luca Gardini

The marcs for this beautiful 5 year matured Riserva come from the best Amarone producers in Valpolicella. Sparkling amber. Complex aroma of small forest fruits, cherry jam, cocoa, cinnamon and notes of black pepper. The finish is rich, warm and enveloping, very long. SUPERIORE.DE

Barolo Ornato is a great wine every year. With its wild herbs, minerals and ferrous notes, it captures the true character of Serralunga. Its bouquet shows small berry fruits and cassis, framed by gravel, forest floor, blue flowers and candied orange peel. The wine also has a dusty, mineral note and is very intense both on the nose and on the palate. Ornato starts with finely integrated tannins and an acidity that sustains all these fruit flavours. A wine that is consistently vertical, straightforward and frontal. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby-garnet colour. Inviting and dense nose of dried roses, wild raspberries and orange peel, plus liquorice and truffles. Hearty and gripping on the palate, dense tannins in many layers, coated in sweet enamel, earthy notes in the final, dense substance, made for a long life." Falstaff

"The Ornato is deep and earthy, with a layer of sous-bois flavours underneath spicy hedgerow berries. It's framed by powerful wood, and although it has that serralunga tannin structure, they're quite silky. It's intense, but a wine that makes you think and doesn't give everything away from the start. The cherry and blackberry fruits have a gentle sweetness, and the finish is fine and savoury, with notes of wild herbs, spice and graphite. Give this wine a few years in the bottle to experience it at its best." Decanter

"This Barolo from the Ornato vineyard offers tantalising aromas of ripe black cherries, cinnamon cake, candied blood orange peel and a hint of fresh bay leaf. The palate is exceptionally balanced, with a precise, linear structure that presents flavours of juicy blackberries, dark chocolate and a hint of vanilla. The wine's impressive length and depth are evident in the long, satisfying finish." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine is firm and tightly wound, with thick, refined tannins that set the stage for cherry, eucalyptus, tobacco and iron flavours, while dusty, mouth-coating tannins characterise the finish. You have to be patient for the fruit to emerge." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very concentrated with lots of ripe tannins in the centre of the palate. Very velvety and finely structured with a lacy character. Medium to full body. Flavours of plums and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg in the fruit. Bitter citrus fruit flavours. Taut muscles. Sophisticated. Needs four or five years to develop." James Suckling

Barbaresco Bricco di Treiso presents itself with more power and depth than the normal Barbaresco. Dark red stone fruit, menthol, spices, leather and some cedar wood on the nose. Powerful on the palate, even at a young age, with plenty of muscle power which, together with the harmoniously balanced tannin and acidity structure, suggests a great, long life with a promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Inviting, accessible nose with notes of pomegranate, beetroot and fresh raspberry, plus some rust. Polished and fine in attack and finish, lots of raspberry, plus fine-meshed tannins, covers a wide range." Falstaff

"Offers a nice blend of fruit and floral tones, with aromas and flavours of cherry, rose, iron and eucalyptus. The dense tannins give the wine good grip, and the finish is graceful." Wine Spectator

"The wines from il Bricco are as classic as they can be and show the passion with which Pio Cesare makes wine. Aromas of dark cherry jam, stewed plums with crushed bay leaf and ground spices dominate the nose. Elegant with a fine tannin line that runs from start to finish, balancing the flavours of wild berries, black tea and savoury spices, a true tightrope act that succeeds almost perfectly. A jewel of a wine." Wine Enthusiast

"Exquisite aromas of strawberries, cherries, hibiscus and cranberries. A hint of cedar and sandalwood. Medium-bodied, with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine and blend beautifully with it. Give this wine four or six years to fully open up." James Suckling

Gajas Barolo Dagromis is still flying under the radar ... Fine, multi-layered aroma of red fruits and berries, with hints of peach peel. Then earthy, spicy notes that radiate a certain austerity. Elegant on the palate, with an almost racy, mineral-drinking flow in the attack and on the palate, incredibly deeply layered finesse. Noticeable, complex tannin structure that is made to last, good freshness, great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Just 500 bottles come onto the market, if Luca even decides to present this single-varietal Cabernet Franc to the public. And if he does, this red is certainly one of the world's best Cabernet Francs. Deep dark, almost black ruby. In the bouquet a large aroma spectrum of black and red berries, intense and beguiling, rounded off by a fine spicy note with white pepper and some sandalwood. On the palate, very fine tannin, complex red-fruity notes and again this terroir-influenced mineral-salty note in the seemingly endless finish. Cabernet lovers will be delighted with this impressive masterpiece. SUPERIORE.DE

"Early vintages of this Cabernet Franc - such as 2006 and 2007 - were good but not exceptional, but in recent years it has come into its own. Unlike the Lessona wines, it exhibits ample but not dominant oak, with flavours of blackcurrant and mint. It's rich and spicy but also fresh and luminous, although it does tail off slightly on the finish." Decanter

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot shows off its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco develops very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These flavours are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, delicately flavoured and has a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a sparkling core. Rich raspberries and sugared strawberries on the nose, some pomegranate and truffles. On the palate with a red berry centre and a slightly creamy texture, shows a lot of fine-meshed tannin, appears very polished, describes a long arc." Falstaff

"Brilliant, youthful ruby red colour. Serious, still somewhat restrained aroma of cherries and strawberries. Amazing lightness and yet long and concentrated, with long, finely chiselled tannins. Super-elegant and wired at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"Very floral with orange blossom, iron, cedar wood and dried spices. Medium-bodied, firm and slightly slender in the centre of the palate. Firm and racy. Slightly viscous. Needs a few years to mellow." James Suckling

"Broad and expressive, delivering cherry, plum, earth and licorice flavors. Punctuated by lively acidity, this holds together nicely through the expansive finish." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful florality and almost baked cherry candy - cherry drops - on the nose, rose, caramac bar, vanilla, white chocolate and lavender - an infusion of sweet, fruity and floral elements. The palate is statuesque, ripe and massive but so well structured - like crushed velvet with a powdery and also fleshy aspect to the tannins so that they expand and fill the mouth leaving a lingering chalky, powdery saltiness on the tongue and cheeks. Round, rich yet defined and detailed, so much going on but without one element overpowering another, creating a really impressive overall impression. The acidity is wonderful, and there are flecks of cola that add freshness and a savoury note to the wine. The power shows at the end, where the tannins tighten and hold the final flavour, so you know this is a great wine with long ageing potential." Decanter

"The Barbaresco Bernardot 2020 is a top-class Barbaresco from Treiso. Dried cherry, spices, tobacco, leather, incense and cedar adorn this unobtrusive, exquisite Barbaresco. Time in the glass reveals an irresistible inner sweetness and perfume. This is a great wine." Vinous

"The organic Barbaresco Bernadot 2020 offers a darker fruit performance with black cherry and blackcurrant. As with the other wines of this hot and sunny vintage, you can taste the ripeness of the fruit and a certain softness in the background that comes with the territory (and the growing season). The Ceretto team has a skilful hand and you will notice the sharpness and focus of the wine in the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"From a plot in Treiso, at an altitude of around 400 metres, raw material that benefits from biodynamic cultivation. On the nose, jammy sour cherries with a hint of peony, nuances of dogwood skin and mentholated notes. Juicy and sweet on the palate, with a fruity and floral finish." Luca Gardini

A great Barbaresco, destined for long ageing: Garnet red, concentrated and powerful aromas of red berries, freshly cut flowers, mint and tobacco. The flavour is also bursting with power and richness, but still has a captivating purity, immediacy and elegance, the framework of which is formed by the beautifully integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Barbaresco Gallina has a slightly sweet side that is reinforced by the warm sunshine of the summer season but also from the oak aging. There is ripe cherry and cassis along with spice and cured tobacco. The wine is open-knit and quite accessible in terms of mouthfeel. This Barbaresco is pretty much ready to drink straight out of the gate." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is terrific. Brilliant and focused, with mid-weight depth, the 2020 impresses with its poise more than anything else. All the elements are so well balanced. Dried flowers, spice, herbs, mint and licorice open with a bit of coaxing. As is often the case, the Gallina is quite understated in feel." Vinous

"Ripe raspberries and cherries with flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm and chewy tannins that are fine-textured with a long and focused finish. Needs three or four years to come together. Pretty." James Suckling

A great Barbaresco, destined for long ageing: Garnet red, concentrated and powerful aromas of red berries, freshly cut flowers, mint and tobacco. The flavour is also bursting with power and richness, but still has a captivating purity, immediacy and elegance, the framework of which is formed by the beautifully integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is bold, heady and effusive. A rush of dark fruit, leather, spice, menthol, licorice and mocha builds effortlessly. The Gallina offers tons of immediacy. It can be deceivingly approachable in the early going, but it has always aged very well." Vinous

"Very fragrant and bright with aromas of stems, plums and raspberries. Medium body, firm and racy tannins and a lively finish. Powerful and polished. The finish shows focus and precision. Excellent balance. The best wine in a long time. Best after 2027." James Suckling

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this yet very elegant red. Buy, store and savour in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, graphite, sage, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and incense infuse the 2020 with tremendous complexity. Powerful but not overdone, it should evolve well for many years to come." Vinous

"Black cherries, fresh flowers, rose stems and lavender aromas follow through to full-bodied palate with chewy tannins that are long and intense. Powerful and structured. Give it four or five years to soften." James Suckling

Barbaresco Starderi from the municipality of Neive is almost austere with its scent of pink pepper and cocoa, which combined with the subtle woody notes gives a delicious overall aroma; powerful and rich in flavour with the still superficial but very noble tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Starderi 2020 shows dark fruits, dried cherries and tarry smoke. The Starderi has a savoury side, and the wine offers additional density and concentration on the finish. Like some of the other wines from the warm growing season of 2020, this wine is more immediate overall, making it well suited for short- and medium-term drinking. But it should also age well if you choose to do so." Wine Advocate

"Very floral with fresh and dried flowers on the nose as well as cherries and hibiscus with some sliced strawberries. Medium to full body, with well-integrated tannins and a long and concentrated finish. Give this wine three or four years to develop." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi 2020 has developed wonderfully. Bright and concentrated, with enormous purity, it impresses from the very first sip. Crushed flowers, sweet red fruits, mint, blood orange and bright salty notes race across the palate." Vinous

Honey-coloured with concentrated wood and ripe tones on the nose, which come from the ten months of ageing in barriques. The taste is of heavy sweetness with accentuated tannins, harmonious, round and long. A perfectly balanced digestif - powerful and elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

Barbaresco Starderi from the municipality of Neive is almost austere with its scent of pink pepper and cocoa, which, combined with the subtle woody notes, creates a delicious overall aroma; the flavour is powerful and rich with the still superficial but very noble tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beguiling raspberry and violet flavours, soft cherry notes; precise wine with a lot of polish and tightly woven tannins, perfectly balanced acidity, combining character and elegance." Vinum

"Aromas of strawberry, peach and fresh pink rose. Also some hibiscus. Full-bodied and very complex with lovely tannins that are soft and creamy in texture, yet compact and concentrated. Best after 2028, but already drinking so beautifully now." James Suckling

"The 2021 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi is one of the finest wines I have tasted from La Spinetta. Vibrant and balanced, with striking beauty, the 2021 is wonderfully lively in the glass. Crushed rose petals, spices, mint, orange peel and cinnamon rise from the glass. Lively acids." Vinous

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this yet very elegant red. Buy, store and savour in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of rose petals and botanicals with cherries and dried peaches on the nose. Full-bodied with juicy and plush tannins. Intensely flavoured and very long. There's a lot going on here. Very solid and crisp. Still needs time, drinkable in four or five years." James Suckling

"The 2021 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is a complex, dynamic wine that captures all the presence of Treiso. This fruit is picked a bit riper, needed to soften the tannins, so the flavor profile is a bit racier. Even so, I am drawn to the wine's complexity, nuance and detail. It’s a gorgeous wine." Vinous

At the very top of the Serradenari parcel, the fruit grows for an exceptional Barolo, with which the young winemaker Giulia Negri has truly created a monument to herself. Marassio clearly benefits from the cool climate of Piedmont's high altitudes and will therefore hardly change its character even if the climate continues to change.

Rose petals, fresh cherry mousse and fine spicy notes on the nose. Lively yet precise on the palate, with an aristocratic coolness in which cherries, spices and forest floor are concealed with great restraint and only hesitantly reveal their complexity. The tannins are still demanding and gripping when young, but you can already sense the finesse and elegance that this great wine will confidently display in the glass as it matures, without ever becoming loud. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense wine with aromas of peach peel, blood oranges, graphite, violets and cinnamon. The palate is soft and velvety with a medium to full body, fruit concentration and a chewy finish due to the tension of acidity and tannins. Slightly toasty finish. Graceful Barolo not without the structure for aging." James Suckling

"This wine elegantly marries the warmth of cedar and sandalwood aromas with an array of drying red fruits sprinkled with rose. Sturdy on the palate with vibrant acidity enhancing the perception of the high-toned, tart red fruits that yield to more savory and earthy elements on the elegant finish." Wine Enthusiast

Barbera d'Alba Pre-Phylloxera (or Prefilossera) comes from a tiny vineyard that is over a hundred years old. Intense in aroma and flavour of plums, black berries, young leather and damp forest soil. Broad, full-bodied and supported by a lively acidity, it flows flanked by velvety tannins into a never-ending finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot plays up its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco unfolds very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These aromas are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, finely spiced and with a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Clearly marked nose with notes of sour cherry, some thyme and coriander seeds. Very precise in attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, builds well, pithy and firm on the final, sweet melting on the final." Falstaff

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Rather closed on the nose and pure and concentrated fruit on the palate that is still a little embryonic and with firm but truly ripe, complex tannins. The finish is breathtaking, with perfect balance. Simply gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"Dried herbs, sour cherries, peaches and fresh mushrooms on the nose. Some cedar, too. Succulent and medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins. Bright and well balanced." James Suckling

"Ceretto planted vines in Bernadot (400 metres above sea level) in 1997 and 1998. The nose shines for its elegant notes of earthy strawberry, fresh violet and a restrained bloody character. The attack is savoury with pomegranate fruit to the fore. It's full and ripe in terms of tannic structure, despite the extraction, with crisp acidity and a dusty finish. A wine full of delicacy but not without structure for the long haul. One to follow." Decanter

"A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Bernardot is dark, fleshy and wonderfully nuanced. Soft contours and silky tannins give the 2019 its racy, super-inviting personality. The Bernardot is usually a potent Barbaresco, but in 2019 it is all finesse, all the way. Rose petal, mint, dried cherry and cinnamon linger in this super-expressive Barbaresco from the Ceretto family." Vinous

"The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine." Wine Advocate

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Mysterious nose, initially of cold black tea, then delicate earthy notes, then mint, cinchona bark, then delicate wild berry and raspberry fruit in the second area. Shows a lot of tannin and pressure on the palate, builds up like a pyramid, noble earthy tones on the finish, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

"Mid-to-deep ruby with orange tinges. Less exalted that the Parusso version but with the same perfumed undertow and with savoury, minerally and oaky hints. Totally seductive palate of succulent, round fruit spiked with gripping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry fruit is ripe and lively, with a solid basic structure. It gains depth with notes of iron, liquorice and tar, while a salty note emerges on the long, intense finish. Ripe, with a sense of restraint - a fascinating combination." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Mosconi is a great wine from this vineyard. Rich and explosive, the 2019 offers plenty of Mosconi intensity along with the more classic sense of structure that is now a signature of the house. Dark red fruits, sage, blood orange, tobacco and cedar all come through beautifully in this dramatic, full-bodied Barolo." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Mosconi offers the structure and length of a Nebbiolo from Monforte d'Alba. You also get a salty mineral tone or rusty iron framing a core of wild berries and blackcurrants. The Mosconi always strikes me as very straightforward and direct, and this particular sharpness is what I like most about this vintage." Wine Advocate

"Macerated raspberries combine with wild roses and crushed chalk in this evocative wine that captivates from the first sniff. Mixed cherries emerge on the palate, dusted with aniseed, liquorice and savoury herbs, with superfine tannins leading to a long finish that I wish would never end." Wine Enthusiast

"Cru Mosconi, the house's latest acquisition, a perfect snapshot of the Monforte terroir. Dogwood on the nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and clove, in the mouth with iodised tannins, crisp and exciting, beautiful finish." Luca Gardini

"The flavours of blue fruits such as raspberries and blueberries are very pronounced. Liquorice. Crushed stone. Violets. Full-bodied. So noble with ultra-fine tannins that last forever. Wonderful depth with cool and concentrated fruit. A lively and sophisticated wine with power and finesse. A classic." James Suckling