Pio Cesare is one of the historic houses of Alba, founded in 1881 and still family-run, with its cellar in the heart of the town. Il Bricco is its single-vineyard Barbaresco, made in limited quantities since 1990 from the highest part of the Bricco di Treiso, where the family has been buying vineyards since 1974.
The Bricco di Treiso has a cooler, windier microclimate than the rest of the appellation, steep slopes and soils of clay and compact marl. After fermentation in steel the wine ages for about two years in wood, mostly large casks with a small part in barriques, and then in bottle.
2011, a warm and generous vintage, produced a rich Barbaresco that is now mature: cherries in spirit, dried rose, spice, tobacco and hints of leather, still supported by lively tannins. An important cru, to serve with braised red meat, tajarin with truffle or aged cheeses.
At a glance: Nebbiolo 100% · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Pio Cesare, Treiso (Barbaresco)