Luigi Baudana
Summary
Luigi Baudana is a 2.6-hectare traditional estate in Serralunga d'Alba producing structured Nebbiolo-based wines from the limestone-rich Baudana and Cerretta crus, where mature vines average over 30 years old. The winery maintains its distinct identity under Vajra family stewardship through separate vinification processes and traditional aging in large Slavonian oak casks rather than barriques, preserving the pure expression of Serralunga's terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Luigi Baudana represents one of the smallest traditional estates in the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy. Founded in the early 20th century, this boutique winery is located in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, an area known for producing some of the most structured and age-worthy Barolo wines. In 2009, a significant transition occurred when the Vajra family, owners of the respected G.D. Vajra estate, acquired Luigi Baudana. This arrangement came about when Luigi and his wife Fiorina, without heirs to continue their legacy, sought successors who would preserve the identity and traditions of their small domain.
Under this partnership, the Vajra family—led by Aldo, Milena, and their children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro—maintains the distinct identity of the Luigi Baudana label while bringing their technical expertise to the vinification process. The original Luigi Baudana continues to work alongside the Vajra family during this transition, ensuring continuity of knowledge and approach. This collaboration represents a thoughtful succession plan that preserves a small but significant piece of Barolo's viticultural heritage while securing its future.
Vineyards & Wines
The Luigi Baudana estate encompasses approximately 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres) of vineyards, all situated within the Serralunga d'Alba commune. The property includes parcels in two of Serralunga's most distinguished crus: Baudana and Cerretta. These vineyards sit at elevations between 300-400 meters above sea level, with predominantly western and southwestern exposures that provide optimal sun exposure for ripening Nebbiolo.
The soils in these vineyards are characteristic of eastern Barolo, featuring Serralunga's distinctive calcareous marl with high proportions of limestone and clay. This soil composition contributes to the structural intensity and aging potential that defines Serralunga Barolo. The estate's flagship wines are single-vineyard Barolos from the Baudana and Cerretta crus, each expressing distinct characteristics despite their proximity. The portfolio also includes a Langhe Bianco, a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, and a Langhe Rosso composed primarily of Nebbiolo with small amounts of Barbera and Dolcetto.
The vines in the Baudana vineyard average 30+ years in age, while some parcels in Cerretta contain vines planted in the 1970s. This vine maturity contributes to the concentration and complexity found in the estate's wines.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Luigi Baudana balances traditional methods with precise execution. Following the acquisition by the Vajra family, the wines continue to be vinified separately from the G.D. Vajra production, maintaining the distinct identity of the Baudana estate. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with maceration periods for the Barolo wines typically lasting 20-30 days.
For the Barolo wines, aging follows traditional protocols with extended maturation in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) rather than small French barriques. This approach preserves the pure expression of Nebbiolo and the distinctive terroir of Serralunga. The Barolos age for approximately 30-36 months in these large-format vessels before bottling.
In the vineyards, management practices focus on sustainable viticulture with careful canopy management and yield control to ensure optimal fruit quality and concentration. Harvesting is performed entirely by hand, with rigorous selection both in the vineyard and at the sorting table. The Vajra family's technical expertise has been integrated while maintaining respect for the historical practices that defined Luigi Baudana's approach for decades. This combination of traditional methods and modern precision allows the distinctive character of these Serralunga vineyards to be expressed with clarity and definition in the finished wines.