Luigi Baudana, Langhe Bianco Dragon
Country: Italy Region: Piemonte
Varietal: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc Vintage: 2024
Category: White Wine Style: Dry
Producer: Luigi Baudana
"This small estate has just over 4 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 the highly regarded Cerretta. After 30 years running the winery, and without heirs to take over the business, Luigi and Fiorina Baudana took the difficult decision to sell.
Because of 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. They were concerned, however, that the name and estate continue as is, rather than be absorbed into a larger entity. As part of his research, Luigi visited the Vajra winery incognito one day, and was so impressed with the way they dealt with people and communicated their philosophy that he rang Aldo soon afterwards to ask if he would be interested in buying the estate. A deal was soon done, 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. The first vintage was 2009 and from then onwards we can see the true expression of the new Luiga Baudana.
They make four wines: three Barolo and one white. The Bianco Dragon 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, and has a lovely lift and depth, with real interest on the palate.
Product Features: Sustainable; Vegetarian
Winemaker: Aldo Vajra
Vineyards:
The Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc vineyards are located on the north east shoulder of Cerretta Piani at mid slope. A fold of this 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. Vajra has always believed in sustainable farming and keeps the turf natural and green in the vineyard. Traditional pruning is practiced as well as using the Guyot mixed system of trellising. Every phase of winemaking, starting in the vineyard, is done by hand. No irrigation is used, while green harvest is decided according to the vintage
Vinification:
Manual harvest took place during the first 15 days of September. A soft crushing was followed by 15 to 20 days of fermentation at temperatures under 16°C. The wine aged in stainless steel until bottling the following spring.
Tasting Notes:
The 2024 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.
Food Suggestion: A great aperitif, also enjoy with nutty cheeses.
