Luigi Baudana Barolo Cerretta 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Cerretta MGA lies within the commune of Serralunga d'Alba and is recognized for its geological purity and historical significance. Unlike the more diverse soil types found in other parts of the appellation, Cerretta's terroir is composed entirely of Formazione di Lequio, a compact limestone formation from the Serravallian epoch, dating back some 12 million years. These calcareous soils impart firm structure, vibrant acidity, and a restrained aromatic profile, elevating the site among the most revered crus of Serralunga.

The vineyard is farmed organically under the Vajra family's guidance since 2009, continuing the stewardship of Luigi and Fiorina Baudana. A notable anecdote from 2008 reflects this deep commitment: after a destructive hailstorm, the couple hand-removed all damaged berries to preserve the integrity of the remaining fruit. Today, biodiversity and sustainability efforts are practiced holistically, with active monitoring of flora and fauna throughout the estate and surrounding forested land.

Winemaking

Cerretta 2021 is crafted from 100% Nebbiolo, harvested on October 14, a notably late date that speaks to the vintage's cool, even ripening conditions. The grapes underwent a long fermentation with submerged cap maceration that lasted 54 days, significantly longer than in the adjacent Baudana cru. This slow kinetic profile required only delicate interventions — gentle punch-downs and pump-overs — to extract structure while preserving elegance.

Spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred the following spring, after which the wine was aged 23 months in custom-made large Slavonian oak casks ranging from 15 to 25 hL. Bottling was completed on June 28, 2024, ensuring the wine remained undisturbed during a crucial phase of evolution.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet core with subtle ruby edges, indicative of both youth and concentration.
• Aroma: Layers of ripe citrus, cherry, and blackberry intertwine with dried roses, mint, Tasmanian pepper, and crushed limestone. An ethereal floral lift accompanies the core of Serralunga minerality.
• Palate: Tightly knit yet expansive, the palate reveals notes of Earl Grey tea, lychee, elderflower, and candied orange peel. The tannins are finely grained yet imposing, suggesting a long and dignified aging potential.

Did you know?

The Cerretta vineyard, though often overshadowed by names like Francia or Lazzarito, has quietly built a cult following for its distinctive limestone identity and slow-maturing wines. The 2021 vintage, marked by low nitrogen and high phenolic content, allowed for one of the longest macerations in Baudana's recent history, resulting in a wine of uncommon grace and gravitas.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Wild boar ragù with pappardelle: Resonates with the wine's dark fruit and earthy depth.
• Venison loin with elderberry glaze: Highlights both the wild character and mineral backbone.
• Aged Comté or Beaufort: Amplifies the structured tannins with umami complexity.
• Porcini and truffle polenta: Enhances the floral and spice nuances in the mid-palate.

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.