Pio Cesare Chardonnay Piodilei originates from the Langhe DOC in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. The winery, founded in 1881, remains in the hands of the fifth generation of the Pio family, who maintain a winemaking philosophy of minimal intervention to express the true individuality of the terroir. Conceived as a tribute to the influential women of the family, Piodilei was first released in 1985 as a pioneering effort to produce a white wine with the complexity and aging potential typically reserved for the region’s great reds.

Wine Description

This Chardonnay presents a vibrant pale straw yellow colour with golden nuances. The nose is intense and complex, featuring aromas of sliced apples, white pineapple, and lemon rind layered with floral notes of acacia and hints of spicy vanilla. On the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied and creamy, yet it retains a bright, crunchy focus with flavours of citrus, crushed seashells, and a touch of almond cream. It is characterized by a refined balance of freshness and structure, concluding with a long, persistent finish marked by elegant oak and minerality.

Accolades

• James Suckling - 95 points

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 92 points

• Jeb Dunnuck - 90 points

Food Pairing

The wine’s creamy texture and vibrant acidity make it an excellent companion for rich seafood dishes such as lobster, seared scallops with porcini cream, or turbot. It also pairs beautifully with roasted guinea fowl, veal chops, or butternut squash and sage ravioli. For a cheese course, consider serving it alongside Gruyère or other mature, hard cheeses.