Barolo · Piedmont · Italy
1961

Barolo Pio Cesare 1961

Produced by the historic Pio Cesare estate, this 1961 Barolo originates from the heart of Alba. The winery was founded in 1881 when Cesare Pio made the unconventional decision to bottle his wine rather than sell it in barrels, establishing one of Piedmont's most defining wine houses. The estate's cellars are steeped in history, featuring walls that date back to the Roman era around 50 BC. Pio Cesare also played a crucial role in building the international reputation of the area, being among the first Italian producers to export extensively to the United Kingdom in the 1950s. Today, the estate is managed by the fifth generation, Federica Boffa and Cesare Benvenuto, who maintain the house's balance of tradition and modernity. The historical significance of the producer is reflected on the label, which proudly displays early medals from exhibitions in Alba, Asti, Torino, and Bruxelles between 1898 and 1910.The wine is crafted in Piedmont, a renowned wine region in northwestern Italy bordered by the Alps. The landscape is characterized by the dramatic, steep hills of the Langhe subregion, where thick autumn fog naturally protects the vineyards. Within this terroir-focused region lies the prestigious Barolo appellation, located southwest of Alba. The 1961 vintage from this area achieved a score of 94 points and is described as dense and intense, reflecting the distinct microclimates of the region.This Denominazione di Origine Controllata red wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo, an Italian top grape celebrated for yielding elegant wines with significant structural depth. The grape is deeply tied to the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. Pio Cesare utilizes Nebbiolo to craft both their classic Barolo, which blends fruit from various traditional crus, and their single-vineyard expressions. This specific 1961 release was bottled at 13.5 percent alcohol in a traditional 720ml format.
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€360,00
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We perform quality checks on all wines, examining the label, cork and seal, as well as the condition of the wine. This way we create the best conditions for the wine to still be good and drinkable.

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Description

Barolo Pio Cesare 1961

Produced by the historic Pio Cesare estate, this 1961 Barolo originates from the heart of Alba. The winery was founded in 1881 when Cesare Pio made the unconventional decision to bottle his wine rather than sell it in barrels, establishing one of Piedmont's most defining wine houses. The estate's cellars are steeped in history, featuring walls that date back to the Roman era around 50 BC. Pio Cesare also played a crucial role in building the international reputation of the area, being among the first Italian producers to export extensively to the United Kingdom in the 1950s. Today, the estate is managed by the fifth generation, Federica Boffa and Cesare Benvenuto, who maintain the house's balance of tradition and modernity. The historical significance of the producer is reflected on the label, which proudly displays early medals from exhibitions in Alba, Asti, Torino, and Bruxelles between 1898 and 1910.

The wine is crafted in Piedmont, a renowned wine region in northwestern Italy bordered by the Alps. The landscape is characterized by the dramatic, steep hills of the Langhe subregion, where thick autumn fog naturally protects the vineyards. Within this terroir-focused region lies the prestigious Barolo appellation, located southwest of Alba. The 1961 vintage from this area achieved a score of 94 points and is described as dense and intense, reflecting the distinct microclimates of the region.

This Denominazione di Origine Controllata red wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo, an Italian top grape celebrated for yielding elegant wines with significant structural depth. The grape is deeply tied to the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. Pio Cesare utilizes Nebbiolo to craft both their classic Barolo, which blends fruit from various traditional crus, and their single-vineyard expressions. This specific 1961 release was bottled at 13.5 percent alcohol in a traditional 720ml format.

720 ml13.5%Denominazione d'Origine ControllataContains sulfites

The history of the wine

Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.

Producer

Pio Cesare

The grapes

Grape composition

Nebbiolo

Characteristics Cherries, roses, tar, high acidity, firm tannins and complexity.
Typical areas Barolo, Barbaresco, Piemonte

The area

Barolo

Italy

Piedmont

About the region

Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).

Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).

Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).

The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.

The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.

Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.

The Year in History
1961

When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.

World Events
Amnesty International wordt opgericht
Amnesty International was founded in London. It became a major, European-born voice for human rights.
De OESO begint met het werk
OECD began its operations from Paris. It became a central forum for political cooperation among developed democracies.
Eerste mens in de ruimte
Jurij Gagarin became the first human in space. The achievement inspired science education and popular imagination throughout Europe.
Het Europees Sociaal Pact wordt ondertekend
The Council of Europe opened the European Social Charter for signature. It strengthened the thinking about social rights in Europe.
Film & Culture
De film West Side Story gaat in première
The film version of West Side Story became a great cultural success. It brought modern musical storytelling to a wide audience.
Een afgehakt hoofd wordt gepubliceerd
Iris Murdoch's novel contributed to Great Britain's literary reputation after the war. Her works became influential in European intellectual culture.
Solaris wordt vrijgelaten
Stanisław Lem's Solaris was published in Poland. It became one of Europe's great science fiction novels.
Vorig jaar in première in Marienbad
The film became a landmark in European modernist cinema. Its style influenced art films internationally.
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Thorough quality check

Cork, capsule, fill level, label condition, and provenance are individually documented for each bottle. A physical certificate is included with every purchase.

60-day return policy

60-day return policy

We are confident in the quality of our wines, and you as a buyer should be too. Return any unopened bottle within 60 days for a full refund — no questions asked.

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Guidance

How it handles
you your wine

Storage

Storage

Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.

Opening

Opening

Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.

Enjoyment

Enjoyment

Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.

GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE

We will help you throughout the journey. Here you can read our guide on how to treat the wine. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to write or call us.

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I bought a wine from Bottles With History as a gift for a 50th birthday. The wine was delivered quickly, we tasted it together with the birthday boy. It was a huge hit 🥳 I bought a wine from Bottles With History as a gift for a 50th birthday. The wine was delivered quickly,... I bought a wine from Bottles With History as a gift for a 50th birthday. The wine was delivered quickly, we tasted it together with the birthday boy. It was a huge hit 🥳

Barolo from 1964

Bought a Barolo from 1964. Delivery was fast, the wine tasted fantastic and it was a beautiful bottle. Super cool experience “Wow! Bought a Barolo from 1964. Delivery was fast, the wine tasted fantastic and it was a beautiful bottle. Super cool... Bought a Barolo from 1964. Delivery was fast, the wine tasted fantastic and it was a beautiful bottle. Super cool experience “Wow!

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Super service and very helpful. Lost one of the bottles during transport and reported it to Bottles With History. It was fixed immediately and a new bottle was sent immediately. (Actually a better wine in my opinion) It is very difficult to guarantee that older bottles are drinkable, like the Barolo from 69 I tried. Anders came to the rescue again and of course sent a new bottle of the same caliber. Thank you very much for the good service, can definitely recommend shopping here in safe hands. Super service and very helpful. Lost one of the bottles during transport and reported it to Bottles With History. It... Super service and very helpful. Lost one of the bottles during transport and reported it to Bottles With History. It was fixed immediately and a new bottle was sent immediately. (Actually a better wine in my opinion) It is very difficult to guarantee that older bottles are drinkable, like the Barolo from 69 I tried. Anders came to the rescue again and of course sent a new bottle of the same caliber. Thank you very much for the good service, can definitely recommend shopping here in safe hands.

The absolute best service

I have received the best service from Anders from Bottles With History! Ordered a wine for my father as a Christmas present and have received incredibly good service after a small mistake with the order. I will definitely buy from here again! I can definitely recommend buying from this site! :-D I have received the best service from Anders from Bottles With History! Ordered a wine for my father as a... I have received the best service from Anders from Bottles With History! Ordered a wine for my father as a Christmas present and have received incredibly good service after a small mistake with the order. I will definitely buy from here again! I can definitely recommend buying from this site! :-D

Good service and nice selection

Bought a few different vintage bottles and both the instructions and delivery worked great. Bought a few different vintage bottles and both the instructions and delivery worked great. Bought a few different vintage bottles and both the instructions and delivery worked great.