2018 Luigi Baudana Dragon Bianco

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.
2018 was marked by abundant flowering, gradual ripening and one of the latest harvests of the decade. Precipitations were exceptional during the entire year, as was the dedication of our vineyard team. Such determined work and meticulous sorting gifted us with healthy grapes, with delicate perfumes and juice that was already pink upon crushing. This harvest was particularly favourable for the best-exposed vineyards, those at high elevation, and the late ripening varieties – but it’s caused us great surprises, too, with whites and Dolcetto. All the wines are fragrant and deliciously aromatic, with elegant tannins. 2018 reminds us of 2016 and perhaps even more 2004, and promises to become a classic, elegant vintage.
Grapes are picked at optimal ripening. The fruit is carefully sorted and undergoes gentle pressing as whole bunches. Fermentation lasts up to 12 days in vertical vats at low temperatures. Usually, no malolactic conversion occurs in Dragon.
Dragon 2018 opens to fresh fruit aromas such as kiwi, lime and pear. Hints of minerality like flint and sea stones complete the elegant bouquet. The palate shows citrus and white orchard-fruit flavours, macerated elderflower and candied orange peel that shine through the fresh and vibrant acidity. Drinkable and accessible, it perfectly reflects the elegance and energy of the 2018 vintage. – Giuseppe Vaira