After 30 years of running their namesake winery, with no heirs to take over the business, Luigi and Fiorina Baudana made the difficult decision to sell. While they were offered eye-watering sums of money due to the vineyards' location in the heart of the ‘Golden Mile’ of Barolo, Luigi and Fiorina were determined for their name and estate to continue rather than be absorbed into a large entity.
As part of his research, Luigi visited (incognito) the famed Piedmont G.D. Vajra winery. He was so impressed with the estate and philosophy that he reached out to owner soon afterwards to ask if he would be interested in buying the estate. A deal was struck. The Vajra family have run this estate alongside Luigi and Fiorina ever since.
Luigi Baudana’s Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc vineyard was planted in the early 1980s and is located mid-slope on the north-east shoulder of Barolo’s prized Cerretta Piani terroir. The Nascetta, an exciting indigenous variety, and Riesling come from Vajra vineyards. The wine’s structure reflects Serralunga’s old Helvetian soils (14 million years old) while its elegance and sweetness of fruit are shaped by the vineyard’s elevation, over 300 metres above sea level. The grapes were co-fermented and aged in stainless steel, showing a lovely lift and depth with real interest on the palate.
Tasting Note
Elegantly restrained on the nose with notes of lemon zest, Granny Smith, wet stone and white pepper. Fresh citrus and alpine flowers glide across the palate, while apricots cruise into a salty mineral finish.
Food Pairing
We’re not quite craving salads just yet but this seasonal shift makes us want something a bit lighter for dinner. We recommend a moderately rich dish like a spring risotto with asparagus, fennel and lots of lemon to echo the wine’s citrus. Stir in mascarpone or goat cheese to stand up to the 2024 Luigi Baudana Dragon's structure and salty, mineral finish.