Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Baudana cru sits in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, on the western flank just north of Parafada and Lazzarito, aligning latitudinally with Castiglione Falletto. This prestigious site, once renowned then neglected, has resurfaced as one of Barolo's under-the-radar treasures. Its geological composition is particularly compelling: it marries the Lequio Formation of the Serravallian epoch — known for compact sandstone — with the more silty, pliable Sant'Agata Fossili Marls of the Tortonian era. This unique juxtaposition grants the wines a rare balance of structure and aromatic finesse.

Vines here are cultivated under the stewardship of the Vajra family since 2009, following stringent organic protocols. The estate preserves biodiversity through hedgerows, forest borders, and soil vitality, contributing to the micro-ecological distinctiveness of the site. The vineyard's altitude and westerly exposure contribute to long ripening cycles, endowing the wines with freshness and complexity.

Winemaking

Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana 2021 is made exclusively from 100% Nebbiolo, featuring a clonal mix of Lampia and Michet biotypes. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted meticulously to preserve the finest fruit quality, particularly critical in a vintage that began with frost threats and ended with a late harvest marked by dry, favorable weather.

The fermentation is carried out in vertical Slavonian oak vats, combining gentle extraction with long macerations, typically exceeding 30 days. Malolactic fermentation occurs in large barrels, followed by aging in Slavonian oak casks for approximately 32 months. This approach maintains the purity of the terroir while allowing the wine's natural tannic structure to refine and evolve slowly.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Garnet with delicate ruby reflections, typical of well-structured Nebbiolo.
• Aroma: High-toned rose petals, dried cherry, wild mint, and nuances of anise and iron minerality. A background of tar and truffle emerges with air.
• Palate: Firmly structured yet elegant. The mid-palate reveals ripe red berries, orange zest, and crushed stones, enveloped in chalky tannins. There's a seamless interplay between tension and depth, with a long, savory finish.

Did you know?

The Baudana cru was once considered one of the grand sites of Serralunga before falling into obscurity in the late 20th century. The Vajra family, who now oversee the estate, revived it in 2009 and have preserved a tradition of extraordinary vineyard care. After a 2008 hailstorm, Luigi and Fiorina Baudana manually removed all damaged berries within 48 hours — a level of dedication emblematic of the family's ethos.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised veal cheek with Barolo reduction: Mirrors the wine's structure and deep savory notes.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: Highlights the earthy, floral undertones of the Nebbiolo.
• Aged taleggio or Castelmagno cheese: Complements the tannins with richness and umami.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze: Echoes the red fruit profile while balancing the wine's acidity.

History of Luigi Baudana

The estate of Luigi Baudana is deeply rooted in the village of Serralunga d'Alba, one of Barolo's most storied communes. For decades, Luigi and Fiorina Baudana cultivated their vines with extraordinary devotion, guided by intuition and deep connection to the land. Until the early 2000s, the domaine remained a well-kept secret known primarily among Barolo connoisseurs for its soulful, uncompromising Nebbiolos from two grand crus: Baudana and Cerretta.

In 2009, the Baudana family entrusted the future of their estate to the Vajra family, already acclaimed for their work in Vergne near Barolo village. Importantly, the transition maintained the estate's identity and independence while elevating its viticulture, winemaking precision, and international profile. Today, Luigi Baudana operates as a distinct label under the Vajra umbrella, combining traditional Serralunga intensity with the Vajras' refined, detail-driven approach.

The winery, which shares its name with its historic MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva), is a rare example of a small Barolo estate that has maintained its soul while benefiting from modern organic practices and global recognition.

Region and Vineyards

Luigi Baudana's holdings are entirely within the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, a terroir renowned for its power, longevity, and limestone-dominated soils. The estate farms some of the finest parcels within the Baudana and Cerretta crus, each offering a unique expression of Serralunga's geological history.

The Baudana vineyard, situated on the western edge of the commune, features an unusual combination of Lequio sandstone and Tortonian marl, lending both structure and lift to the wines. In contrast, Cerretta is composed of pure Lequio formation, producing wines of greater austerity, stony minerality, and slow-developing depth.

All farming is conducted under certified organic and sustainable practices, with a strong focus on biodiversity, soil vitality, and ecological balance. Altitudes range between 380 and 450 meters, contributing to slower ripening and excellent acid retention, essential for the aging potential of Nebbiolo.

Wine Range of Luigi Baudana

The estate is focused and artisanal, producing a limited but precise range of wines. The flagship Barolos — Barolo Baudana and Barolo Cerretta — are vinified and aged separately to reflect their singular terroirs. They are known for their elegance, clarity of site expression, and remarkable aging capacity.

Additionally, Luigi Baudana produces Dragon Langhe Bianco, a high-altitude white blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Nascetta, and Rhine Riesling. First created in the 1990s by Luigi and Fiorina, this wine has become a signature expression of aromatic finesse and Alpine minerality.

Did you know?

Luigi Baudana is one of the very few producers in Barolo who shares his surname with an official MGA (cru). The origin of the Baudana name in the village predates the wine classification system, making it unclear whether the vineyard was named after the family — or vice versa. This poetic ambiguity adds to the mystique surrounding one of Serralunga's most singular domaines.