2021 Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana

Baudana is a hidden gem among the historical vineyards of Serralunga d’Alba. It is located on the western slope, just north of Parafada and Lazzarito. Rather uniquely, the soil here is a combination of Formazione di Lequio and Sant’Agata marls: two different epochs (Serravallian and Tortonian) melting together in one place. Once celebrated, then forgotten, it’s an honour to farm this vineyard today. 100% Nebbiolo; a mix of Lampia and Michet biotypes.

In Serralunga d’Alba, Nebbiolo usually ripens a few days earlier than in Barolo. In 2021, fruit was picked on 14^th October. A delicate fermentation in open-top tini was followed by a submerged cap maceration lasting 54 days. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred the following spring. The 2021 Baudana aged for 23 months in custom-made Slavonian casks of 15, 17, and 25 hectolitres. It was bottled on 25^th June 2024.

The 2021 Barolo DOCG Baudana shows a lovely ruby red hue. The nose opens with attractive tones of pomegranate, orange peel, fresh blueberries and subtle hints of leather and herbs. Fine-grained, chiselled tannins are wrapped in a long and lingering finish, with signature notes of Serralunga d’Alba: eucalyptus, blueberry, and sweet liquorice.

Strawberry, cherry, mint, a spicy and aromatic persuasion, dried flowers and coffee beans. It’s juicy and red fruited, but firm in grainy and stony tannin grip, talks to Serralunga, but has this extra vigour and freshness. A bit sappy, so much energy and crushed rock character, with some new leather, orange oil, and tobacco on a finish of excellent length. Lots of wine here, and really needs considered cellaring. So firm. Outstanding, or will be in time. 95+ points. Gary Walsh, The Winefront Oct 2025

The organic Luigi Baudana 2021 Barolo Baudana appears glossy and polished with bright intensity delivered through red and purple fruits, spice and floral aromas. The wine is quite lightweight on the palate, even lean, but it makes up for a lack of textural weight with a very long and silky finish. Minutes later, you feel dried rose and pulverized stone. Aging takes place in large Slavonian oak cask. 95 points. Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate Jan 2025

The 2021 Barolo Baudana is another super-sensual wine from the estate. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red cherry/red plum fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and flowers. A wine with striking inner perfume, the 2021 is captivating from start to finish. 95 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Jan 2025