2019 Soldera Case Basse 100% Sangiovese

the Soldera Case Basse winery in Montalcino

Case Basse is one of Italy's most legendary wine estates. It was founded in 1972 by the visionary winemaker Gianfranco Soldera , who settled in Montalcino with one goal: to produce Italy's purest and most expressive Sangiovese. His philosophy was radical in its simplicity – completely natural viticulture, minimal intervention, and a maximum focus on quality.

The estate is located southwest of Montalcino, at an altitude of approximately 320 meters, where it benefits from air currents from the Ombrone and Orcia rivers. The soil consists of poor, well-draining galestro and contains fossilized marine deposits, which contributes to the complexity of the wines. Gianfranco's wife, Graziella, designed the surrounding botanical gardens, which, together with the vineyards, form a unique micro-ecosystem.

After Gianfranco Soldera's death in February 2019, his children Monica and Mauro Soldera, along with Monica's husband, Gianpaolo Franco , took over the management of the estate. The family continues their work in the same spirit of uncompromising authenticity and respect for nature. The 2019 vintage is the first vintage produced entirely by the family, marking an emotional turning point in the estate's history.

the Case Basse vineyard

The estate comprises just ten hectares of vines, planted with old Sangiovese clones from the 1970s. The vines are trained with a low, spurred cordon and tall, leafy hedges, protecting the grapes from excessive sun and heat. Yields are extremely low, averaging only 15,000 to 20,000 bottles per year.

The combination of old vines, deep roots, and minimal intervention in the vineyard creates a wine of rare depth and balance. New plantings are only brought into production after seven to eight years, and a large portion of the harvest is discarded without hesitation if the quality doesn't meet the family's exacting standards.

soldera case basse sangiovese 2019

The 2019 Soldera Case Basse is a wine of extraordinary elegance and complexity. This vintage, the first produced entirely under the direction of Monica and Mauro Soldera, symbolizes the transition between generations. It is a tribute to Gianfranco's legacy and simultaneously demonstrates continuity in style and vision.

harvest and vinification

The grapes were carefully harvested and destemmed by hand, after which they were fermented as whole berries in large, conical Slavonian oak barrels. Fermentation was carried out using only indigenous yeasts and without temperature control, with only light racking. The wine then aged for four years in large oak botti and then rested in the bottle for a further six months before being released in 2024.

The wine is neither filtered nor fined and is the result of a completely natural, slow aging process. This method, developed by Gianfranco himself, produces a wine of unparalleled purity and balance, in which each vintage reveals its own unique character.

color, smell and taste

The 2019 vintage displays a bright ruby red color with subtle transparency. The nose is refined and complex, with notes of red berries, cherries, orris root, tea, spices, and a hint of orange peel. On the palate, it is silky and refined, with a core of red fruit and vibrant acidity. The structure is harmonious and elongated, with a combination of power and lightness that only the finest wines achieve.

The finish is endless, with nuances of spice, earth, and subtle floral notes. The wine has impressive tension and vitality, promising to continue to develop over the decades.

review by The Wine Advocate

The 2019 Soldera Case Basse Sangiovese received an exceptional score of 98+ points from Monica Larner for The Wine Advocate . She described the wine as “an extremely elegant wine that defies the simplicity of the process used to make it.” She noted that the 2019 offers refined aromas of red currant, orris root, and tea, with added power and texture at its core. She called it “an enduring symbol of that painful transition”—the first vintage after Gianfranco Soldera’s death—and concluded that this is a vintage “especially well-suited to prolonged cellar aging.”

The review emphasizes that the 2019 is not only technically perfect but also emotionally charged: a wine that brings together tradition, continuity and family heritage in a glass.

store and serve

Serve the wine at 17 to 18 degrees Celsius and decant for at least two hours before use. The 2019 can be enjoyed with great pleasure from 2028 onwards, but will continue to develop well beyond 2050. This is a wine that is already great, but will only truly reveal its full depth with patience and time.

Would you like to order Soldera Case Basse wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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wine and food pairings

• Fiorentina steak from Chianina beef – the strength and acidity of the wine bring balance to the rich meat.
• Pigeon with sage and pancetta – the refined spiciness of the wine complements the delicate game.
• Pappardelle with wild boar ragout – a classic Tuscan combination that combines structure and fruit.
• Leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic – the wine emphasises the aromatic depth of the dish.
• Truffle risotto – the earthy notes and mineral tension provide harmony and length.
• Aged Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano – the salty intensity enhances the wine's finesse.