Luigi Baudana 'Dragon', Langhe Bianco 2024

This wonderful white Piedmontese field blend is made with the rare but high quality local grape Nascetta, along with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and a little Riesling which are for the most planted together and then all vinified together, quite unusual to see in Piedmont. In the glass it has aromas of citrus, hawthorn, blossom and a stony minerality and the palate is dry and very fresh with a great balance between a steely minerality, savouriness and a fleshy creaminess. A very enjoyable, unique wine from the heart of the Langhe.

A perfect aperitivo wine, or try with salads and cold lunches, white fish, shellfish, roast vegetables, or lighter pasta dishes.

You can think of Luigi Baudana as a proper garagiste operation. Nestled in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba they operate with only a few hectares of vineyards and a diminutive winery. In 2009, Luigi Baudana and his wife Fiorina, after years of dedicated work were contemplating retirement and despite lucrative offers for their prime sites, they chose to partner with the nearby GD Vajra, to ensure the estate retained its identity rather than be subsumed into a larger entity. It's good to report the vineyards continue to produce excellent fruit, and with the Vajra influence in the cellar, the wines have reached new heights.