2020 Luigi Baudana Dragon Langhe Bianco
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Grape: Chardonnay, Nascetta, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
Culinary Suggestions: White Fish, Soft Cheeses, Caesar Salad
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable, Organic
About
In 2009, Luigi Baudana bestowed upon the Vaira family his historical vines in Serralunga d’Alba, and boy did they step up to the challenge. With a mere 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres) to work with, the Vairas have become truly great producers, squeezing every ounce of quality from their prime vineyards in the village. Aldo, a man who loves nothing more than a good Barolo from the Helvetian soils of the area, was thrilled to take on this new adventure. Cerretta and Baudana are giving the best single-cru Barolos in the region a run for their money.
The range also features a fresh, original co-fermented white field blend called Dragon. The Dragon rounds out the range of Luigi Baudana wines produced by the Vaira family. The result is a unique and complex wine that is both fruity and floral, with notes of citrus and white flowers. It has a bright acidity that gives it a refreshing character, making it the perfect wine to enjoy with light summer dishes. The Vairas may have started small, but their passion and dedication have made them a force to be reckoned with in the world of Italian wine.
Tasting Notes
It's bright, pale yellow enriched by dry perfume of stone, flowers and summery grass. Dry and slightly savoury on the palate, its crisp freshness is well balanced by ripe flavours. – Giuseppe Vaira
Texture is the thing. It gives the wine a presence beyond pure flavour. It’s a slatey, salty, citrussy white wine with tips of dried herb and papaya. It’s neutral on the nose but it makes an impression on the palate. It needs a little time to open up in the glass; decanting is advised. A sense of reserve and a sense of style, is how I would describe this, on the lovely side of the phrase.
91 points – Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front September 2021.
Drink: 2021 - 2025
The Luigi Baudana 2020 Langhe Bianco Dragon is mostly Chardonnay with Sauvignon Blanc, Nascetta and a touch of Riesling. These results are glossy and shiny in this vintage, showing enormous purity and lifted intensity. The bouquet is really very beautiful, with orchard fruit, preserved lemon and an elegant touch of natural rubber that works perfectly. In fact, you can smell the wine even when the glass is placed far away. To the palate, it is silky and smooth, and something you might want to bring on a special fly-fishing trip to pair with your evening dinner of lemon-pepper trout. 29,000 bottles were produced.
90 points - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate June 2021
Drink: 2021 - 2024