Luigi Baudana, `Dragon` Langhe Bianco
Vintage: 2023
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | LB201S23 | 6 x 75 | Screwcap | Contact Us |
Producer
Luigi Baudana is a small estate with just over four hectares of vineyard, all in the commune of Serralunga d‘Alba. Their tiny cellar is situated in the village of Baudana, while their vineyards are primarily in the ‘crus’ of Baudana and Cerretta. After 30 years of running the winery, and without heirs to take over the business, Luigi and Fiorina Baudana made the difficult decision to sell. Owing to the location of the vineyards, in the heart of the ‘golden mile’ of Barolo, Luigi and Fiorina were offered some eye-watering sums of money but wished for the name and estate to continue as is rather than be absorbed into a larger entity.
As part of his research, Luigi visited the Vajra winery incognito one day. He was so impressed with the estate and philosophy that he rang Aldo soon afterwards to ask if he would be interested in buying the estate. A deal was struck and the Vajra family have run this estate alongside Luigi and Fiorina ever since. We have tasted the wines every year and watched them improve. The depth of flavour and intensity that comes from the vineyards has remained, but the Vajra touch in the cellar has brought them to a new level.
Their ‘Dragon’ Langhe Bianco is a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon (planted in the north-eastern part of Cerretta by Luigi in the early 1980s) with Nascetta and Riesling from the Vajra vineyards. It is fermented and aged in stainless steel, showing a lovely lift and depth with real interest on the palate. The Barolo ‘Baudana’ (‘the forgotten cru’ as the Vajras call this vineyard) is elegant and intense. While accessible now, its ability to age places it among the best of Serralunga. These are world-class examples from one of the greatest wine-producing regions in the world.
Vineyards
The Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc vineyards are located mid-slope on the north-east shoulder of Cerretta Piani. A fold in the slope makes the plot cooler and more suitable for white grapes. Below the thin topsoil lies one of the oldest conglomerates of all Piemonte: 14-million-year-old Helvetian soil. The Nascetta is grown in the Comune of Novello, the birthplace of the variety, at the top of the Ravera hill. The vineyards are located at 370-430 metres above sea level. Vajra has always believed in sustainable farming and keeps the turf natural and green in the vineyard. Traditional pruning is practised as well as using the Guyot mixed system of trellising. No irrigation is used, while green harvest is decided according to the vintage.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage was a lovely vintage in Barolo, despite some erratic weather which hit many regions across Italy. The season was long, with an early bud break in mid-March. This was followed by early flowering and a late harvest. Excellent diurnal shifts developed wonderful aromatics. The cluster size was reduced leading to lower yields of very healthy grapes.
Vinification
The grapes were hand harvested and then carefully sorted. The fruit underwent a whole cluster gentle pressing with a pneumatic press. Fermentation took place over 12-15 days in 50 to 70 hectolitre vertical stainless-steel vats at controlled low temperatures. The wine was kept on fine lees to avoid oxidation throughout the winter.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
The 2023 Dragon is a brilliant light yellow in colour. On the nose are aromas of lemon, lime zest, lemon curd and hints of mint. The palate is refreshing and structured, with distinct notes of peach, apricot and mango balanced by an energetic saline finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13%
Acidity
5.57 g/l
pH
3.29
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luigi Baudana | Barolo `Baudana` | LB202 | R | Factsheet |