From only 2.6ha of prime Piedmont terroir come three bold and beautiful Barolos: Serralunga, Baudana and Ceretta. Luigi Baudana is a garagiste producer based in the Italian village of Baudana in the Barolo sub-region of Serralunga d’Alba, which is famed for Nebbiolos of power, intensity and grace. These three wines reflect their sought-after terroir, offering black and red cherries, brambles, black pepper, black olives, dried roses, violets, sage, cedar, earthy notes – and fine, everlasting tannins.
The 2020 Baudana Barolo Serralunga is their ‘classico’ Barolo. The grapes come from younger vines in their two famous single cru vineyards, Baudana and Ceretta, along with a small parcel from Costabella. Alluring, enigmatic, sleek and savoury, ‘that pretty freshness is what you will remember most’, says the Wine Advocate.
From vines planted in the 1930s to 1960s at 350m altitude, the brilliant 2020 Baudana Barolo Baudana is deep ruby-hued, with a mouthwatering acidity and tannins that shape the wine into ‘a honed and chiseled example of classic Nebbiolo’ (Wine Enthusiast). The critics agree that this can be enjoyed now or cellared for decades.
The 2020 Baudana Barolo Cerretta, from the coolest microclimate in the cru, is ‘irresistible’ (Decanter), impressing with ‘its balance and overall harmony’ (Vinous). Expect florals, bold fruit, and chalky tannins that ‘give the wine an unmistakable gravitas, letting you know it’s the boss’ (Wine Enthusiast).
Check out our mini vertical packs of Baudana and Cerretta from the 2018, 2019 and 2020 vintages.
Tasting Notes:
Luigi Baudana Barolo Serralunga 2020
‘This Barolo exudes an alluring and enigmatic aroma highlighted by black cherry and warmed black currants accompanied by notes of black pepper, licorice root, anise and fennel. The wine’s nose is a captivating kaleidoscope, with fruit, herbs and earthy notes each taking their turn with every swirl of the glass. On the palate, it is mouthfilling and rich, yet structured, with notes of plum and black raspberry enveloped by firm tannins and a pronounced earthy quality that begs to be paired with roasted meats, mushrooms or umamifocused dishes. This wine is a true embodiment of the powerful and ageworthy Barolo wines that have made Serralunga d’Alba famous.’ – Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast, 94/100
‘This is a sleek and savory Barolo that shows notes of blood orange, wild raspberries, white tea and peaches, with a touch of brined olive. It’s medium- to full-bodied, fine-tannined and elegant.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 93/100
Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana 2020
‘The deep ruby-hued 2020 Barolo Baudana offers a sweet perfume of candied raspberries, cherry lozenge, crushed flowers, and sweet sage. Medium to full-bodied, it’s ripe and expansive with sweet tannins, it has a fantastic and weightless feel with a buoyant nature, and it’s floral and long on the palate, with a great apricot-noted finish. While it has a wide drinking window, it’s deserving of cellaring.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, 96/100
‘Packed with fruit, this red exudes cherry, strawberry, rose and iron notes, with a hint of wild herbs. Vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins lend well-meshed support. Harmonious and surprisingly approachable already, but this will improve over the next two decades.’ – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 95/100
Luigi Baudana Barolo Ceretta 2020
‘An irresistible blend of small red fruits such as pomegranate, with notes of camphor, cinnamon, Parma violets and a deep savouriness. Fruit richness and concentration dominate the delicately refreshing palate, with equally graceful, fine-grained tannins and a sweet finish, despite its youth. Aged in large barrels following a long maceration beyond 50 days: ‘The 2020 wines deserve longer macerations due to the slow extraction from the grapes,’ explained Isidoro Vajra.’ – Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter, 96/100
‘A floral perfume of violets takes the lead in the 2020 Barolo Cerretta, which pours a ripe ruby color and reveals aromas of wild candied black raspberries, candied orange, sweet herbs, and licorice. With sweet tannins and a harmonious feel, its more mineral underpinnings come through in the end, with supple, lush tannins and a clean finish. It’s long on the palate but harmonious, with no harsh edges.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, 96/100
