{"title":"Sangiovese","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"soldera-case-basse-100-sangiovese-2017","title":"Soldera Case Basse 100% Sangiovese 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e(not yet reviewed, 2016 review below for reference)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tasting-note-content\"\u003eOne of Italy's most sought-after and collectible unicorn wines, the Soldera Case Basse 2016 100% Sangiovese is mysterious, illusive and hard to find. From a classic vintage, the wine's personality is extremely delicate and ethereal, following lock in step with the house style passionately promoted and secured by the late Gianfranco Soldera. The man himself, remembered as an outspoken genius who made invaluable contributions to the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, died in 2019. This vintage was made under his watchful eye, and it ties in nicely with recent past releases of this wine (once a Brunello) now labeled rather matter-of-factly (and with a tinge of provocation) 100% Sangiovese. The bouquet offers wild cherry, blue flower, candied orange peel and hints of rusty nail. The mouthfeel is polished, fine and silky. There is a hint of iodine or medicinal gel that will not appeal to everyone, but then again, beauty is sometimes found in the unexpected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"producer-note-content\"\u003eItalian wine lost one of its most talented and outspoken winemakers, Gianfranco Soldera, on February 16, 2019. He suffered a heart attack in his car on the road to his beloved Case Basse estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. He was 82. Known for his strong views and uncompromising style, Soldera earned a loyal following among the world’s greatest collectors of fine wine for his Brunello di Montalcino and his Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Case Basse. His best vintages, such as 1979, 1982, 1990, 1995 and 1999, represent a pinnacle of achievement for the appellation and for Sangiovese. Gianfranco Soldera was born in 1937 in the northern town of Treviso. He grew up in Italy’s banking capital of Milan and eventually became an insurance broker. In 1972, he moved to Tuscany and purchased the 23-hectare Case Basse property in Montalcino. He planted Sangiovese vines in 1972 and 1973 and immediately set out to make a noninterventionist’s style of Brunello guided by strict adherence to Tuscan winemaking traditions. His first bottled wine was produced in the 1975 vintage, and the first vintage of Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino was 1977 (released in 1982). Soldera continued to make Brunello di Montalcino until the 2006 vintage. Later, he would declassify his latest vintages to Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. Gianfranco Soldera is survived by his children, Monica and Mauro, his grandchildren and his wife, Graziella. His daughter Monica was kind enough to answer the following five questions: 1. Gianfranco Soldera died three years ago. What changes have been made in the vineyards and at the winery since then? My family follows the same farming, production philosophies and practices that were started by my father. Our past experiences teach us that we never cease to learn and adopt to changes related to the evolution of nature, the climate and the differences in the growing seasons. With the support of researchers and their studies, we continue our work with passion and focus, but nothing has changed. There are no changes to winemaking, and there have been no new wines introduced besides our Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. We continue the approach we have always followed, and using an outside professional consultant is not part of the plan. All winemaking decisions are made in the family. Everyone is involved. My mother oversees the botanical garden, I am estate manager and my husband, Paolo, is in charge of production. My brother, Mauro, and my sister-in-law, Valeria, are always at our side but are also involved in their own professions. Each one of us is tasked with his or her responsibilities, and each has his or her personality. Teamwork is what characterizes this new chapter since the death of our founder. 2. What are the vintages that had the strongest pull on your father’s heartstrings? Each vintage is unique and memorable on its own merits. The 1979 and the 1999 vintages were celebrated thanks to the special bond my father felt for them, but there are others. I remember that he always showed special pride for the challenging years, like the recent 2002 and 2003 vintages, that allowed him to experiment with and strengthen the values of the Case Basse terroir, the soils, the microclimate and the importance of viticultural and winemaking protocols based on low yields, hands-on farming, natural fermentations and the use of large Slavonian oak botti. 3. The “Soldera style” represents the essence of Montalcino tradition and Sangiovese purity. What inspired your father to set his sights on this style with such steadfast dedication from the very beginning (and much before most of his peers)? A significant moment for my father was when he observed others drinking his wines; his eyes would shine with pleasure knowing that he could offer them a memorable experience. Conviviality and the joy of living life to the fullest, enjoying the beauty of music, art, literature, food and wine is what inspired him. Everything that characterizes Case Basse and its production is fruit of his choices, small and large, and there are too many to list. His passion for this estate and his dedication to his work was all-consuming. He recognized the value of the extraordinary patrimony of the Montalcino territory and of Sangiovese. He often remarked that the breathtaking beauty of the view of Case Basse from the road gave him the same joy he felt the first time he saw it in 1972. Curiosity and amazement for the wonders of nature are what guided him. 4. Instead of Brunello di Montalcino, the estate now makes Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. Do you think you will ever return to Brunello DOCG? The decision represents an emphasis on the Soldera style, and it came about after much consideration and input from our clients who appreciate the typicity of our wines. If you consider the core values of the estate as I have described them above, you can see that the decision is a coherent one. The aim is to highlight what makes us unique within the context of Montalcino and the outstanding identity this territory gives to its many expressions of Sangiovese. For those looking for a wine that satisfies their personal taste, Montalcino offers enormous range to its greatest admirers. 5. A new chapter started at Case Basse three years ago after the death of your father. Where do you see the estate in the next three years? My family has a long-term vision for Case Basse that extends far beyond three years, and what we see for ourselves in the future continues on ideals instilled by my father and mother. Our founding principles will be protected, and we will continue to learn—we will enhance the values of our terroir, we will continue to develop our skills and we will make sure that all the instruments in this orchestra continue to play in harmony, even when a new generation is called up to the stage. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- Monica Larner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soldera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42798866137251,"sku":"SOLCBS17B","price":1344.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0412\/5330\/6531\/products\/192EBE09-7300-4385-A2C7-FE7146848F2E.jpg?v=1665714299"},{"product_id":"soldera-case-basse-100-sangiovese-2015","title":"Soldera Case Basse 100% Sangiovese 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003e(not yet reviewed, 2016 review below for reference)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tasting-note-content\"\u003eOne of Italy's most sought-after and collectible unicorn wines, the Soldera Case Basse 2016 100% Sangiovese is mysterious, illusive and hard to find. From a classic vintage, the wine's personality is extremely delicate and ethereal, following lock in step with the house style passionately promoted and secured by the late Gianfranco Soldera. The man himself, remembered as an outspoken genius who made invaluable contributions to the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, died in 2019. This vintage was made under his watchful eye, and it ties in nicely with recent past releases of this wine (once a Brunello) now labeled rather matter-of-factly (and with a tinge of provocation) 100% Sangiovese. The bouquet offers wild cherry, blue flower, candied orange peel and hints of rusty nail. The mouthfeel is polished, fine and silky. There is a hint of iodine or medicinal gel that will not appeal to everyone, but then again, beauty is sometimes found in the unexpected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"producer-note-content\"\u003eItalian wine lost one of its most talented and outspoken winemakers, Gianfranco Soldera, on February 16, 2019. He suffered a heart attack in his car on the road to his beloved Case Basse estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. He was 82. Known for his strong views and uncompromising style, Soldera earned a loyal following among the world’s greatest collectors of fine wine for his Brunello di Montalcino and his Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Case Basse. His best vintages, such as 1979, 1982, 1990, 1995 and 1999, represent a pinnacle of achievement for the appellation and for Sangiovese. Gianfranco Soldera was born in 1937 in the northern town of Treviso. He grew up in Italy’s banking capital of Milan and eventually became an insurance broker. In 1972, he moved to Tuscany and purchased the 23-hectare Case Basse property in Montalcino. He planted Sangiovese vines in 1972 and 1973 and immediately set out to make a noninterventionist’s style of Brunello guided by strict adherence to Tuscan winemaking traditions. His first bottled wine was produced in the 1975 vintage, and the first vintage of Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino was 1977 (released in 1982). Soldera continued to make Brunello di Montalcino until the 2006 vintage. Later, he would declassify his latest vintages to Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. Gianfranco Soldera is survived by his children, Monica and Mauro, his grandchildren and his wife, Graziella. His daughter Monica was kind enough to answer the following five questions: 1. Gianfranco Soldera died three years ago. What changes have been made in the vineyards and at the winery since then? My family follows the same farming, production philosophies and practices that were started by my father. Our past experiences teach us that we never cease to learn and adopt to changes related to the evolution of nature, the climate and the differences in the growing seasons. With the support of researchers and their studies, we continue our work with passion and focus, but nothing has changed. There are no changes to winemaking, and there have been no new wines introduced besides our Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. We continue the approach we have always followed, and using an outside professional consultant is not part of the plan. All winemaking decisions are made in the family. Everyone is involved. My mother oversees the botanical garden, I am estate manager and my husband, Paolo, is in charge of production. My brother, Mauro, and my sister-in-law, Valeria, are always at our side but are also involved in their own professions. Each one of us is tasked with his or her responsibilities, and each has his or her personality. Teamwork is what characterizes this new chapter since the death of our founder. 2. What are the vintages that had the strongest pull on your father’s heartstrings? Each vintage is unique and memorable on its own merits. The 1979 and the 1999 vintages were celebrated thanks to the special bond my father felt for them, but there are others. I remember that he always showed special pride for the challenging years, like the recent 2002 and 2003 vintages, that allowed him to experiment with and strengthen the values of the Case Basse terroir, the soils, the microclimate and the importance of viticultural and winemaking protocols based on low yields, hands-on farming, natural fermentations and the use of large Slavonian oak botti. 3. The “Soldera style” represents the essence of Montalcino tradition and Sangiovese purity. What inspired your father to set his sights on this style with such steadfast dedication from the very beginning (and much before most of his peers)? A significant moment for my father was when he observed others drinking his wines; his eyes would shine with pleasure knowing that he could offer them a memorable experience. Conviviality and the joy of living life to the fullest, enjoying the beauty of music, art, literature, food and wine is what inspired him. Everything that characterizes Case Basse and its production is fruit of his choices, small and large, and there are too many to list. His passion for this estate and his dedication to his work was all-consuming. He recognized the value of the extraordinary patrimony of the Montalcino territory and of Sangiovese. He often remarked that the breathtaking beauty of the view of Case Basse from the road gave him the same joy he felt the first time he saw it in 1972. Curiosity and amazement for the wonders of nature are what guided him. 4. Instead of Brunello di Montalcino, the estate now makes Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. Do you think you will ever return to Brunello DOCG? The decision represents an emphasis on the Soldera style, and it came about after much consideration and input from our clients who appreciate the typicity of our wines. If you consider the core values of the estate as I have described them above, you can see that the decision is a coherent one. The aim is to highlight what makes us unique within the context of Montalcino and the outstanding identity this territory gives to its many expressions of Sangiovese. For those looking for a wine that satisfies their personal taste, Montalcino offers enormous range to its greatest admirers. 5. A new chapter started at Case Basse three years ago after the death of your father. Where do you see the estate in the next three years? My family has a long-term vision for Case Basse that extends far beyond three years, and what we see for ourselves in the future continues on ideals instilled by my father and mother. Our founding principles will be protected, and we will continue to learn—we will enhance the values of our terroir, we will continue to develop our skills and we will make sure that all the instruments in this orchestra continue to play in harmony, even when a new generation is called up to the stage. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- Monica Larner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soldera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42798915846307,"sku":"SOLCBS15B","price":1241.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0412\/5330\/6531\/products\/192EBE09-7300-4385-A2C7-FE7146848F2E_6c0faf88-bef8-4123-afb8-d44918dd8482.jpg?v=1665714291"},{"product_id":"soldera-case-basse-100-sangiovese-2016-6-pack","title":"Soldera Case Basse 100% Sangiovese 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tasting-note-content\"\u003eOne of Italy's most sought-after and collectible unicorn wines, the Soldera Case Basse 2016 100% Sangiovese is mysterious, illusive and hard to find. From a classic vintage, the wine's personality is extremely delicate and ethereal, following lock in step with the house style passionately promoted and secured by the late Gianfranco Soldera. The man himself, remembered as an outspoken genius who made invaluable contributions to the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, died in 2019. This vintage was made under his watchful eye, and it ties in nicely with recent past releases of this wine (once a Brunello) now labeled rather matter-of-factly (and with a tinge of provocation) 100% Sangiovese. The bouquet offers wild cherry, blue flower, candied orange peel and hints of rusty nail. The mouthfeel is polished, fine and silky. There is a hint of iodine or medicinal gel that will not appeal to everyone, but then again, beauty is sometimes found in the unexpected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"producer-note-content\"\u003eItalian wine lost one of its most talented and outspoken winemakers, Gianfranco Soldera, on February 16, 2019. He suffered a heart attack in his car on the road to his beloved Case Basse estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. He was 82. Known for his strong views and uncompromising style, Soldera earned a loyal following among the world’s greatest collectors of fine wine for his Brunello di Montalcino and his Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Case Basse. His best vintages, such as 1979, 1982, 1990, 1995 and 1999, represent a pinnacle of achievement for the appellation and for Sangiovese. Gianfranco Soldera was born in 1937 in the northern town of Treviso. He grew up in Italy’s banking capital of Milan and eventually became an insurance broker. In 1972, he moved to Tuscany and purchased the 23-hectare Case Basse property in Montalcino. He planted Sangiovese vines in 1972 and 1973 and immediately set out to make a noninterventionist’s style of Brunello guided by strict adherence to Tuscan winemaking traditions. His first bottled wine was produced in the 1975 vintage, and the first vintage of Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino was 1977 (released in 1982). Soldera continued to make Brunello di Montalcino until the 2006 vintage. Later, he would declassify his latest vintages to Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. Gianfranco Soldera is survived by his children, Monica and Mauro, his grandchildren and his wife, Graziella. His daughter Monica was kind enough to answer the following five questions: 1. Gianfranco Soldera died three years ago. What changes have been made in the vineyards and at the winery since then? My family follows the same farming, production philosophies and practices that were started by my father. Our past experiences teach us that we never cease to learn and adopt to changes related to the evolution of nature, the climate and the differences in the growing seasons. With the support of researchers and their studies, we continue our work with passion and focus, but nothing has changed. There are no changes to winemaking, and there have been no new wines introduced besides our Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. We continue the approach we have always followed, and using an outside professional consultant is not part of the plan. All winemaking decisions are made in the family. Everyone is involved. My mother oversees the botanical garden, I am estate manager and my husband, Paolo, is in charge of production. My brother, Mauro, and my sister-in-law, Valeria, are always at our side but are also involved in their own professions. Each one of us is tasked with his or her responsibilities, and each has his or her personality. Teamwork is what characterizes this new chapter since the death of our founder. 2. What are the vintages that had the strongest pull on your father’s heartstrings? Each vintage is unique and memorable on its own merits. The 1979 and the 1999 vintages were celebrated thanks to the special bond my father felt for them, but there are others. I remember that he always showed special pride for the challenging years, like the recent 2002 and 2003 vintages, that allowed him to experiment with and strengthen the values of the Case Basse terroir, the soils, the microclimate and the importance of viticultural and winemaking protocols based on low yields, hands-on farming, natural fermentations and the use of large Slavonian oak botti. 3. The “Soldera style” represents the essence of Montalcino tradition and Sangiovese purity. What inspired your father to set his sights on this style with such steadfast dedication from the very beginning (and much before most of his peers)? A significant moment for my father was when he observed others drinking his wines; his eyes would shine with pleasure knowing that he could offer them a memorable experience. Conviviality and the joy of living life to the fullest, enjoying the beauty of music, art, literature, food and wine is what inspired him. Everything that characterizes Case Basse and its production is fruit of his choices, small and large, and there are too many to list. His passion for this estate and his dedication to his work was all-consuming. He recognized the value of the extraordinary patrimony of the Montalcino territory and of Sangiovese. He often remarked that the breathtaking beauty of the view of Case Basse from the road gave him the same joy he felt the first time he saw it in 1972. Curiosity and amazement for the wonders of nature are what guided him. 4. Instead of Brunello di Montalcino, the estate now makes Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. Do you think you will ever return to Brunello DOCG? The decision represents an emphasis on the Soldera style, and it came about after much consideration and input from our clients who appreciate the typicity of our wines. If you consider the core values of the estate as I have described them above, you can see that the decision is a coherent one. The aim is to highlight what makes us unique within the context of Montalcino and the outstanding identity this territory gives to its many expressions of Sangiovese. For those looking for a wine that satisfies their personal taste, Montalcino offers enormous range to its greatest admirers. 5. A new chapter started at Case Basse three years ago after the death of your father. Where do you see the estate in the next three years? My family has a long-term vision for Case Basse that extends far beyond three years, and what we see for ourselves in the future continues on ideals instilled by my father and mother. Our founding principles will be protected, and we will continue to learn—we will enhance the values of our terroir, we will continue to develop our skills and we will make sure that all the instruments in this orchestra continue to play in harmony, even when a new generation is called up to the stage. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- Monica Larner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soldera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43256414240931,"sku":"SOLCBS16B","price":1433.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0412\/5330\/6531\/products\/192EBE09-7300-4385-A2C7-FE7146848F2E_c21e5ab1-3dde-4763-a54e-5f800da2ee97.jpg?v=1676660422"},{"product_id":"soldera-case-basse-100-sangiovese-2018","title":"Soldera Case Basse 100% Sangiovese 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e(not yet reviewed, 2016 review below for reference)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tasting-note-content\"\u003eOne of Italy's most sought-after and collectible unicorn wines, the Soldera Case Basse 2016 100% Sangiovese is mysterious, illusive and hard to find. From a classic vintage, the wine's personality is extremely delicate and ethereal, following lock in step with the house style passionately promoted and secured by the late Gianfranco Soldera. The man himself, remembered as an outspoken genius who made invaluable contributions to the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, died in 2019. This vintage was made under his watchful eye, and it ties in nicely with recent past releases of this wine (once a Brunello) now labeled rather matter-of-factly (and with a tinge of provocation) 100% Sangiovese. The bouquet offers wild cherry, blue flower, candied orange peel and hints of rusty nail. The mouthfeel is polished, fine and silky. There is a hint of iodine or medicinal gel that will not appeal to everyone, but then again, beauty is sometimes found in the unexpected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"producer-note-content\"\u003eItalian wine lost one of its most talented and outspoken winemakers, Gianfranco Soldera, on February 16, 2019. He suffered a heart attack in his car on the road to his beloved Case Basse estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. He was 82. Known for his strong views and uncompromising style, Soldera earned a loyal following among the world’s greatest collectors of fine wine for his Brunello di Montalcino and his Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Case Basse. His best vintages, such as 1979, 1982, 1990, 1995 and 1999, represent a pinnacle of achievement for the appellation and for Sangiovese. Gianfranco Soldera was born in 1937 in the northern town of Treviso. He grew up in Italy’s banking capital of Milan and eventually became an insurance broker. In 1972, he moved to Tuscany and purchased the 23-hectare Case Basse property in Montalcino. He planted Sangiovese vines in 1972 and 1973 and immediately set out to make a noninterventionist’s style of Brunello guided by strict adherence to Tuscan winemaking traditions. His first bottled wine was produced in the 1975 vintage, and the first vintage of Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino was 1977 (released in 1982). Soldera continued to make Brunello di Montalcino until the 2006 vintage. Later, he would declassify his latest vintages to Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. Gianfranco Soldera is survived by his children, Monica and Mauro, his grandchildren and his wife, Graziella. His daughter Monica was kind enough to answer the following five questions: 1. Gianfranco Soldera died three years ago. What changes have been made in the vineyards and at the winery since then? My family follows the same farming, production philosophies and practices that were started by my father. Our past experiences teach us that we never cease to learn and adopt to changes related to the evolution of nature, the climate and the differences in the growing seasons. With the support of researchers and their studies, we continue our work with passion and focus, but nothing has changed. There are no changes to winemaking, and there have been no new wines introduced besides our Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. We continue the approach we have always followed, and using an outside professional consultant is not part of the plan. All winemaking decisions are made in the family. Everyone is involved. My mother oversees the botanical garden, I am estate manager and my husband, Paolo, is in charge of production. My brother, Mauro, and my sister-in-law, Valeria, are always at our side but are also involved in their own professions. Each one of us is tasked with his or her responsibilities, and each has his or her personality. Teamwork is what characterizes this new chapter since the death of our founder. 2. What are the vintages that had the strongest pull on your father’s heartstrings? Each vintage is unique and memorable on its own merits. The 1979 and the 1999 vintages were celebrated thanks to the special bond my father felt for them, but there are others. I remember that he always showed special pride for the challenging years, like the recent 2002 and 2003 vintages, that allowed him to experiment with and strengthen the values of the Case Basse terroir, the soils, the microclimate and the importance of viticultural and winemaking protocols based on low yields, hands-on farming, natural fermentations and the use of large Slavonian oak botti. 3. The “Soldera style” represents the essence of Montalcino tradition and Sangiovese purity. What inspired your father to set his sights on this style with such steadfast dedication from the very beginning (and much before most of his peers)? A significant moment for my father was when he observed others drinking his wines; his eyes would shine with pleasure knowing that he could offer them a memorable experience. Conviviality and the joy of living life to the fullest, enjoying the beauty of music, art, literature, food and wine is what inspired him. Everything that characterizes Case Basse and its production is fruit of his choices, small and large, and there are too many to list. His passion for this estate and his dedication to his work was all-consuming. He recognized the value of the extraordinary patrimony of the Montalcino territory and of Sangiovese. He often remarked that the breathtaking beauty of the view of Case Basse from the road gave him the same joy he felt the first time he saw it in 1972. Curiosity and amazement for the wonders of nature are what guided him. 4. Instead of Brunello di Montalcino, the estate now makes Toscana IGP 100% Sangiovese. Do you think you will ever return to Brunello DOCG? The decision represents an emphasis on the Soldera style, and it came about after much consideration and input from our clients who appreciate the typicity of our wines. If you consider the core values of the estate as I have described them above, you can see that the decision is a coherent one. The aim is to highlight what makes us unique within the context of Montalcino and the outstanding identity this territory gives to its many expressions of Sangiovese. For those looking for a wine that satisfies their personal taste, Montalcino offers enormous range to its greatest admirers. 5. A new chapter started at Case Basse three years ago after the death of your father. Where do you see the estate in the next three years? My family has a long-term vision for Case Basse that extends far beyond three years, and what we see for ourselves in the future continues on ideals instilled by my father and mother. Our founding principles will be protected, and we will continue to learn—we will enhance the values of our terroir, we will continue to develop our skills and we will make sure that all the instruments in this orchestra continue to play in harmony, even when a new generation is called up to the stage. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e- Monica Larner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soldera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43336665694371,"sku":"SOLCBS18B","price":1415.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0412\/5330\/6531\/products\/192EBE09-7300-4385-A2C7-FE7146848F2E_2a87bce8-52b9-45b5-b1ab-ffff66463fa0.jpg?v=1680384872"},{"product_id":"soldera-case-basse-100-sangiovese-2019","title":"Soldera Case Basse 100% Sangiovese 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98+ points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, November 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the first vintage produced after the death of vintner Gianfranco Soldera at 82 years old on February 16, 2019. His family took over farming and winemaking, and the Soldera Case Basse 2019 100% Sangiovese is an enduring symbol of that painful transition. This is an extremely elegant wine that defies the simplicity of the process used to make it. Grapes are destemmed and fermented as whole berries in oversize truncated cone-shaped Slavonian oak vats with native yeasts. The wine ages slowly and uninterrupted, depending on the vintage, for four years in large oak botte. It is bottled without filtering, and this vintage rested in glass for six months before its commercial release in 2024. Natural and straightforward winemaking results in delicate and ethereal notes of redcurrant, iris root and fragrant tea leaf. The power of the fruit, especially those tart cherry nuances, is more prominent in the 2019 vintage that also succeeds in providing more textural heft and importance to the mid-palate. The 2019 vintage should prove especially well-suited to prolonged cellar aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a chilly day in early November, I drove to Montalcino to visit Soldera Case Basse. I was met by Monica Soldera, her husband Gianpaolo Franco and her younger brother Mauro Soldera (a well-known lawyer who splits his time between Montalcino and Milan). Together, they run the estate and continue the legacy of one of Italy’s most influential and visionary winemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonica and Mauro’s father, Gianfranco Soldera, came to Montalcino in June 1972. Born in Treviso in 1937 and later relocated to Milan with his family, he grew up with wine because his cousin made a modest production. Gianfranco Soldera would enjoy a successful career as an insurance broker, but wine pulled hard on his heartstrings. He looked for vineyards to purchase in Barolo but could not find a suitable investment. A family friend recommended that he look at Montalcino instead, where land was more affordable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe acquired the 23-hectare Case Basse estate located southwest of Montalcino village. The first vintages he produced were labeled \"Vino da Tavola Rosso dai Vigneti di Brunello: (“red from Brunello vineyards”), and by the 1977 vintage, the wine was labeled Brunello di Montalcino. The only vintage not produced was 1989.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn December 2013, Gianfranco Soldera declassified his wine to IGT status, starting with the 2006 vintage, and renamed the wine “100% Sangiovese.” However, before that decision was made, part of that vintage had already been bottled as Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine is the same, but because of the different bottling dates, you can find the 2006 vintage on the market today as both Brunello di Montalcino Riserva and as 100% Sangiovese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGianfranco Soldera passed away at 82 years old on February 16, 2019. The current vintage is 2019, and it represents the first wine made by his children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI asked Monica Soldera what important lessons she learned from her father. “Good wine and food were always part of my childhood,” she says. “He stressed all the beautiful things in life.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonica Soldera and her husband, Gianpaolo Franco, joined the winery in 2003. They have four children, all girls. Brother Mauro Soldera joined later and has one daughter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vineyards\u003cbr\u003eThe Case Basse estate has 10 hectares of vines and two hectares of botanical gardens, with heritage roses and ancient cultivars planted by Gianfranco Soldera’s wife, Graziella. The remaining land is forest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyards are planted with a very low spurred cordon and high canopy, and there are two separate plots. Four hectares are lateral to the winery at 320 meters above sea level and six hectares are at a slightly lower elevation just south of the winery. Both plots enjoy southwest-facing exposures and an open panorama that extends to the Tuscan coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Light and air circulation are what make our site special,” says Monica Soldera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth of Case Basse, the Ombrone and Orcia Rivers intersect, creating two corridors of air that are channeled through the respective river valleys. These currents serve to draw away bad weather and hailstorms, leaving this microclimate relatively free of violent weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe oldest vines date back to 1972 and 1973, but replanting efforts continue to this day to replace unproductive vines. High canopy trellising was started in 2002–2003, and the tops of the vines are never trimmed. A thicker canopy is left to provide shade for the grapes. Vineyard spacing is loose in order to avoid soil compaction with tractors. Hand-hoeing is implemented when possible. A winter cover crop is planted, and the general idea is to avoid excessive tilling. Spraying is limited to sulfur and copper when necessary. The soggy 2024 vintage, for example, was very challenging and required careful attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“We work with old vines, deep root systems, low yields and healthy plants,” says Monica Soldera. Average annual production is between 15,000 and 20,000 bottles for the IGT 100% Sangiovese (the only wine made by the estate today). These figures can vary due to the unpredictable yields of old vines. She is not afraid of throwing out the bulk of vineyard yields if the fruit does not meet her quality standards. All fruit from new vines (under seven or eight years old) is automatically discarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe soils are characterized as poor in nutrients, well-draining and excellent for fostering deep roots. Schistic galestro clay is dominate, and marine fossils are often discovered. This area was once under an ancient sea, and geologists believe that a nearby hill (located just past the estate entrance) collapsed under water, giving this area a thicker layer of topsoil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Winery\u003cbr\u003eGianfranco Soldera started making wine inside the \"case basse\" (“low farmhouses”), after which the property is named. In 2001, he inaugurated a new winery, which is 14 meters underground and made without cement in order to allow for better air circulation. The winery walls are built with rocks encased inside metal cages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is destemmed, and whole berries are fermented with autochthonous yeasts (which the Soldera family studies and counts the population of every year in order to publishing the results in an annual newsletter for their clients). Fermentation takes place in giant 138-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks that are never filled beyond 60% or 70% capacity. Fermentation lasts between two to three weeks and pump-overs are limited to a few per day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Each fermentation is a closed circle,” says Gianpaolo Franco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperatures are not artificially forced, but they are monitored by a measuring prob to insure a healthy environment for the yeasts. Frequent tasting with chemical and microbiological tests are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAging takes place in Garbellotto Slavonian oak casks of various sizes (depending on their placement in the winery). There are 19 botti in total, with the oldest being 40 years old. The botte numbered 10 and 11 are the oldest, dating back to the early 1980s, and botte number eight is just one year old. Maintaining hygiene is essential. The wine ages up to four years, depending on the vintage. A final blend is created, it goes back into oak and the wine is then bottled. It stays in bottle between six to eight months before a release date is set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoldera Case Basse does not have fixed release dates for the IGT 100% Sangiovese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarrel Tasting\u003cbr\u003eThe Soldera family does not provide bottled samples for review, but they do generously open the winery for barrel tastings. I purchased the bottle of 2019 IGT 100% Sangiovese reviewed in this report. That wine was released in spring 2024 and is on the market now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2020 vintage is in bottle at the winery. A release date has not been set, but a decision when to go to market will be made in spring 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI sampled the gorgeous 2021 vintage from botte number 10 at the winery and have included my impressions in this report. That year saw a strong frost event on the nights of April 6 and 7, and the summer was hot. Harvest started on September 6. The Soldera family will decide when to bottle in spring 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI also tasted the 2022 vintage from barrel. Harvest that year started on August 26th, making it one of the earliest in the estate’s history, along with 2017 and 2003, also scorching hot years. This wine is very generous and fruit forward with an intense ruby color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI tasted the infant 2023 vintage from botte number nine. “The difficult vintages are the most satisfying to make,” says Gianpaolo Franco of a growing season that saw challenging rain and mildew. Similar conditions also made 2024 difficult to navigate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is too early to assess 2022 and 2023, but the 2019 and the upcoming 2021 vintages are simply outstanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"tasting-note-content\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e- Monica Larner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soldera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45420721078435,"sku":"SOLCBS19B","price":1067.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0412\/5330\/6531\/products\/192EBE09-7300-4385-A2C7-FE7146848F2E_2a87bce8-52b9-45b5-b1ab-ffff66463fa0.jpg?v=1680384872"}],"url":"https:\/\/winesofkings.com\/collections\/sangiovese.oembed","provider":"Wines of Kings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}