2023 G.D. Vajra Luigi Baudana Langhe Bianco "Dragon", Piedmont, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

Dragon is a unique white blend from the Langhe. Originally produced by Luigi Baudana during the 1980s with Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc, it has evolved to embrace Nascetta, the most exciting white heirloom varietal of the Langhe, and a tiny amount of Riesling. Grapes are picked at optimal ripening. The fruit is carefully sorted and undergoes a whole cluster gentle pressing. Fermentations lasts up to twelve days in vertical vats at low temperature. Usually, no malolactic occurs in Dragon. The wine is bottled the following Spring.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Arriving at Luigi Baudana is akin to entering the garage or basement of an old house in a sleepy European village. It’s shouldered up against the house next door, just down a short driveway and behind an old iron gate. Upon entering, it becomes immediately apparent just how small-scale this venture really is and the scarcity of the wines suddenly makes total sense. Luigi Baudana is one of the last of the old guard producers in Serralunga, Barolo. As Luigi and his wife Fiorina started slowing down, they began to look for a steward for both their vineyard sites (Baudana and Cerretta) as well as their existing wines. Giuseppe Vajra of G.D. Vajra was a natural choice, with an acute understanding towards preserving the soul of these great wines. Giuseppe is now the guardian of Luigi’s cumulative vision, but will also function as the catalyst to propel the vineyards forward, maintaining the highest standards of Barolo.