2025 Pio Cesare L'Altro Chardonnay Langhe, Piedmont

Pio Cesare has been part of Piedmont since Cesare Pio founded the estate in Alba in 1881. Five generations later, the family still works from its extraordinary cellars beneath the old centre of Alba, with Federica Boffa now representing the new generation alongside Cesare Benvenuto. Barolo and Barbaresco may be the famous names here, but L’Altro shows a very different and rather charming side of the estate.

L’Altro means “the other”, an appropriate name for a Chardonnay sitting among all that Nebbiolo. Fruit comes from the family’s vineyards in the Langhe, where elevation and cool nights help preserve acidity and fragrance. The 2025 is shaped as the fresher, more immediately approachable Chardonnay in the Pio Cesare range, with restrained oak influence and an emphasis on citrus, stone fruit and texture.

Bright straw with white peach, crisp pear and nectarine followed by lemon and grapefruit. Citrus blossom and fresh almond add detail, with a gentle touch of cashew and subtle mineral character underneath. The palate is supple without becoming heavy, carrying ripe orchard and stone fruit through fresh acidity. Lemon peel and almond give the finish a clean, lightly savoury edge.

Crab linguine with lemon, parsley and a little chilli would sit beautifully beside it. Grilled prawns, scallops with sweetcorn, zucchini flowers filled with ricotta or roast cauliflower with hazelnuts would work just as happily. It is an easy Chardonnay to put on the table, with enough character to keep dinner interesting without demanding the spotlight. Cellaring: Drink now to 2032.