LUIGI BAUDANA 'Dragon' Langhe Bianco - Piedmont 2025 Bottle ORG/VGN

Description

Luigi Baudana is a tiny, four-hectare estate situated in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba, renowned for producing wines of characteristic power and structure. After 30 years at the helm, Luigi and Fiorina Baudana sought a successor to preserve their legacy rather than sell to a large corporation. Impressed by the philosophy of the G.D. Vajra winery, they entrusted their estate to the Vaira family, who continue to craft these exceptional wines in the original Baudana cellar.

The ‘Dragon’ Langhe Bianco is an intriguing blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc - planted by Luigi in the early 1980s on the north-east shoulder of the Cerretta Piani - alongside Nascetta and Riesling from Vajra’s sustainably farmed vineyards. The vines thrive on ancient, 14-million-year-old Helvetian soils at elevations of up to 430 metres, where sustainable farming practices are strictly observed.

The 2025 vintage saw an early budbreak followed by a warm June. Despite hail naturally reducing the crop, a harvest under bright days with wide diurnal temperature shifts ensured radiant fruit of rare beauty and freshness.

Following a careful hand-harvest and sorting, the grapes underwent a gentle, whole-cluster pneumatic pressing. Fermentation took place over 12 to 15 days in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats. The wine was then matured on its fine lees throughout the winter to build depth and preserve its vibrancy.

The resulting wine is a brilliant light yellow. The nose reveals vibrant aromas of lemon, lime zest, lemon curd, and mint. On the palate, it is refreshing yet structured, offering distinct notes of peach, apricot, and mango, perfectly balanced by an energetic, saline finish.