Gianfranco Soldera, born in Treviso in 1937, spent his childhood in Milan before entering the world of business. In the 1960s, he founded one of Italy's first insurance brokerage companies, which he successfully led until 2003. However, a passion for land and wine, passed down through generations, led him to embark on a new adventure alongside his wife Graziella, a botany enthusiast.
The couple sought out the perfect land to create a great wine. After a rigorous search, in June 1972, they discovered Case Basse, a beautiful but neglected place. In August of the same year, they bought the estate and began planting their first Sangiovese vines. Their first harvest in 1975 exceeded all expectations, and in 1982, they released their first Brunello di Montalcino, marking the start of the estate’s international reputation.
Despite Gianfranco’s passing in 2019, the Soldera family continues his work with the same commitment to excellence and natural winemaking. Today, under the leadership of Graziella Soldera and their children, Monica, Paolo, Mauro, and Valeria, the estate remains a shining star on the world wine stage.
Soldera spans around 23 hectares, of which only 10 are dedicated to vines. The terroir is immensely valuable, with soils of Eocene origin situated at an altitude of 320 metres. The southwest-facing vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate, enhanced by exceptional biodiversity. This combination of geographical and environmental factors is ideal for growing Sangiovese, the estate’s signature grape variety.
What sets Soldera’s viticulture apart is the absolute respect for nature and meticulous ecosystem management. No chemicals are used at the estate. The soils are fertilised exclusively with organic materials, and all the vine work is done by hand. This natural approach to viticulture rests on the idea that grape quality depends on the health and diversity of the surrounding ecosystem. Fruit trees, berry bushes, and beehives have been introduced to the estate to promote biodiversity, attract pollinators, and support birdlife.
Soldera’s winemaking process is characterised by a deep respect for tradition, combined with modern scientific advances. The grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously selected, first in the vineyard and then in the cellar. Only perfectly healthy, ripe grapes are de-stemmed and sorted, berry by berry, to ensure the highest quality.
Fermentation is entirely natural, taking place in large Slavonian oak vats, without the addition of artificial yeasts. The process is carefully monitored through scientific analyses, as well as frequent tastings. No clarification or filtration is carried out, and the wine is aged in large oak barrels for several years.
The estate exclusively uses Sangiovese grapes, a symbol of the Montalcino region, and all the grapes come solely from Soldera’s vineyards. This approach ensures the integrity and authenticity of the wines, renowned for their finesse, aromatic complexity, and long ageing potential.
Soldera produces several flagship wines, each bearing the hallmark of the family’s dedication to natural winemaking.
Soldera Case Basse Toscana IGT 100% Sangiovese
Since 2013, the cellar has labelled its wines under the Toscana IGT/IGP designation. This wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, meticulously selected to express the full richness and subtlety of the Case Basse terroir.
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Soldera
The estate first marketed its Brunello di Montalcino in 1982 with the 1977 vintage. This wine quickly gained international acclaim for its exceptional quality. Although the estate ceased producing Brunello after the 2006 vintage, this cuvée remains a timeless classic.
Soldera Pegasos IGT
"Pegasos" is a unique wine born from the exceptional climatic conditions of 2005. Aged for around three years, it is bottled under the Toscana IGT label and takes its name from the winged horse, the estate’s symbol.
Soldera Intistieti
Produced between 1985 and 1992, Intistieti is a 100% Sangiovese table wine, characterised by a shorter ageing period in barrels. Its label, adorned with the winged horse drawn by renowned artists, embodies the estate’s creativity and elegance.
Rosso di Montalcino DOC Soldera
The Rosso di Montalcino is another flagship wine, produced with the same care as Brunello but with a shorter ageing period. It offers a more accessible entry into the world of Soldera while maintaining high quality.
Soldera embodies excellence in the art of natural winemaking. With an exceptional terroir, traditional vinification methods, and a constant commitment to innovation and research, the wines produced here rank among the best in the world. The passion and vision of Gianfranco Soldera, passed down to his family, continue to guide the production of these remarkable wines, which are now distributed in over 40 countries. For any wine enthusiast seeking an authentic and unique experience, Soldera is an essential reference.
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