Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera, more commonly referred to as Case Basse or Soldera, is a wine estate founded in 1972 in Montalcino, Tuscany. It is known for its prized Brunello (Now is Sangiovese Toscana IGT)wines which, despite high prices, generally sell out on release.
The Case Basse vineyard is just two hectares (five acres) in size, while the estate's other plot, Intistieti, covers around 4.5ha (11 acres). In the cellar things are more traditional. The standard label is fermented using natural yeasts and is aged for up to five years in large Slavonian oak in a subterranean cellar which does not require temperature control. The Riserva wine receives an extra year of aging.
In some vintages, and/or from younger vines, Case Basse produces Intistieti and Pegasos IGT Toscana red wines, which spend less time in cask. Wines are bottled unfiltered, and production is limited to around 15,000 bottles per year.
Following the sabotage, Soldera resigned from the local wine trade body, the Brunello di Montalcino Consorzio, despite the latter offering to supply him with wine to sell (which he turned down). Gianfranco Soldera died in 2019. He was highly regarded as a winemaker and embraced many minimal-intervention techniques in the vineyard and winery, from an outright ban on chemical fertilizers on the land to indigenous yeasts in cellar.
He was, however, just as well known for his run-ins with the Consorzio, and other local producers. The estate continues to be run by Soldera's widow Graziella and children Monica and Mauro, and their partners.
Variety: 100% SANGIOVESE
Alcohol: 13.5%
Ageing: in large Slavonian oak barrels to age for about 45 months
Variety: 100% SANGIOVESE
Alcohol: 13.5%
Ageing: in large Slavonian oak barrels to age for about 45 months