INSIDER'S PICK: 2016 LUIGI BAUDANA 'DRAGON' LANGHE BIANCO $21.99

Experimentation isn't common in the more tradition oriented regions like the Piedmont in Italy, but can produce astounding results even in small doses. About 35 years ago the Baudana family planted a small parcel of white grape varieties in their portion of the Ceretta vineyard in Barolo to see which ones worked the best in their environment. The Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc vines were planted alongside the local Nascetta, with the intention of replanting the vines back to Nebbiolo after a decade or so once they had enough data. The problem (if you can call it that) developed when the white wine they made using the grapes became too delicious to get rid of, and they chose to not replant. In the midst of vines producing fantastic red wine this parcel of white grapes brings forth a great sense of character and terroir unlike anything else, yet still tastes distinctly of the Langhe.

Beautiful straw gold color in the glass, with equally fresh aromas to match with lots of dried flowers and hay, also some subtle white fruits popping out with a few swirls of the glass. The nose isn't opulent or in your face with any one aroma, but a lovely marriage of  everything involved. On the palate the unoaked Chardonnay is present mostly in the body, providing some rich texture that allows the bright fruit and penetrating citrus skin textures to show through with more intensity. There is also lots of minerality that pierces through on the finish as well, expressed almost as a salty lime character, which is a vineyard aspect that comes through on the Barolo from their adjacent site. This is always a fun summertime wine, and even though they don't make that much we look forward to showing it off every vintage.

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