Gianfranco Soldera – Case Basse | The Soul of Sangiovese

Gianfranco Soldera – Case Basse is a true legend of Montalcino and one of the most revered names in Italian wine. Founded in 1972 by Gianfranco Soldera, the estate quickly became an international symbol of purity, precision, and uncompromising excellence in 100% Sangiovese.

Since Gianfranco’s passing in 2019, his daughter Monica Soldera and son-in-law Gianpaolo Franco have carried forward his singular vision: crafting wines defined by authenticity, transparency, and timeless beauty.

Terroir & Viticulture

The Case Basse estate is located on the south-western slopes of Montalcino at 320 meters above sea level. It covers 23 hectares, of which only a small portion is planted with vines, reflecting Soldera’s philosophy of absolute selectivity.

The soils are composed of clay, limestone, and stones, providing ideal natural drainage and balance. Yields are deliberately kept extremely low — rarely above 15,000 bottles per year — ensuring remarkable concentration and precision.

Surrounding gardens, rose beds, and thriving wildlife form a living ecosystem that supports the vineyard’s natural harmony and reinforces its terroir expression.

Winemaking Philosophy

Soldera’s approach is both radical and deeply traditional. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in large open wooden vats, with no temperature control. The wine follows its own rhythm, guided by nature rather than intervention.

Aging lasts up to six years in large Slavonian oak casks, with no fining or filtration. The result is a wine of absolute transparency, precision, and natural elegance — built to age gracefully for decades.

Style & Recognition

Soldera’s wines are pure expressions of Sangiovese at its most profound. The aromatic spectrum is extraordinary: wild cherry, rose petals, dried herbs, subtle spice, and crystalline mineral tension.

On the palate, they combine elegance with intensity, finesse with structure. Produced in minute quantities, they are among the most coveted Italian wines in the world — collected, cellared, and admired like fine works of art.

Signature Wines

• Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino Riserva — The estate’s flagship wine. Aged for years in large casks, it embodies power, longevity, and haunting finesse.
• Intistieti — A pure, structured expression of Sangiovese, defined by precision and lift.
• Soldera Toscana IGT — A freer interpretation of the terroir, combining silkiness and mineral intensity.

Legacy & Transmission

The legend of Case Basse was forged not only through the quality of its wines but also through its resilience. After the tragic 2012 sabotage that destroyed a large part of the cellar, the estate rose again with remarkable determination.

Today, Monica Soldera and Gianpaolo Franco continue Gianfranco’s vision with unwavering commitment: producing wines of absolute purity, deeply faithful to their terroir and crafted with uncompromising integrity.

Signature Style

• 100% Sangiovese from a singular terroir
• Spontaneous fermentation and long aging in large oak casks
• Extremely limited production (approx. 15,000 bottles/year)
• Crystalline purity, precision, and long cellar potential