Luigi Baudana
A historic estate in Serralunga d'Alba, Luigi Baudana represents one of Barolo's most authentic and quietly iconic producers, combining legacy, terroir precision, and the Vajra family's visionary stewardship.
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.
