Luigi Baudana Dragon Langhe Bianco
Luigi and Fiorina Baudana are the namesakes of the località Baudana, the hamlet just north of Serralunga d’Alba, and of the historical cru that lays on the western slope of the hill. The beginning of their family history is lost in time and Luigi never precisely knew whether his ancestors gave their name to the place or took their name from it. The Baudanas and the Vairas (of G.D. Vajra fame) met in 2008, at a time Luigi and Fiorina were considering retirement. It was a very secretive first meeting across the Tanaro river on a silent Monday night. Many more discrete encounters followed throughout the summer while walking vineyards and barrel-tasting together. The sympathy and human bond that was established over those many hours led the Vaira family to suggest they could become the ‘guardians’ of Luigi and Fiorina’s history rather than just taking over their land. This is why the old cellar is still operating today, to vinify and age the Baudana Barolos. The Baudana name lives on through each bottle. Luigi Baudana is a true garagiste production, one of the most limited in the entire Barolo region, and expresses the austere, intense, and charming character of Serralunga d’Alba. This is a blend of international varietals Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, along with indigenous varietal Nascetta. A pale and bright yellow enriched by dry perfumes of stone, flowers, and summery grass. Dry and slightly savory on the palate, its stinging freshness is well balanced by a warm taste. Luigi planted Chardonnay and a touch of Sauvignon in 1980. Admittedly, it is not easy to farm Chard and Sauvignon on land which has produced the most structured Barolos since ancient times. To give the wine more depth and elegance, the kids decided to steal a little bit of their father’s beloved Riesling in Barolo as well as add the local grape variety Nascetta, from their vineyards in the village of Novello. Approximately 56% Chardonnay, 18% Nascetta, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Riesling. Whole-cluster pressed, spontaneously fermented in stainless steel.