Soldera Case Basse: Brunello’s Holy Grail

No other winemaker in Montalcino remains at once as contentious and revered as the late Gianfranco Soldera, the grand maestro behind what many consider Brunello’s Holy Grail, Soldera Case Basse.

Perhaps this comes as no surprise, seeing no other Brunello has gained more of a devoted cult following, easily in contention for the most sought-after and difficult-to-find wines of Italy.

Capturing a true essence of Sangiovese in its purest form, these luminous, faint ruby offerings are among Brunellos finest. Soldera’s staunchly traditional approach champions Montalcino’s sacred grape at maximal ripeness – a perennial pursuit that remains reflective yet triumphantly transcendent of vintage year in and year out.

Born out of his unrelenting conviction that Brunello must consist of 100% Sangiovese only, these benchmark bottles are intensely concentrated, highly aromatic, miraculously complex, and unapologetically so. Any of those who dared to disagree with the late winemaker’s ideals over the years? Unwelcome skeptics. As Gianfranco would say, “my wine, like all the finest wine in the world, is simply not for everyone.”  

While his brazen style and sharp tongue certainly turned heads, it is his lasting legacy of unparalleled Brunello that continues to capture the hearts of critics and collectors alike. Gianfranco’s passing in early 2019 leaves Tuscan wine without its most legendary advocate, as well as the 2018 Soldera Case Basse as his last living vintage – a final tribute from the masterful icon and an exquisite addition to any avid enthusiast’s collection.

Take home a momentous Brunello from Montelpulicano’s ultimate maestro today with Sotheby’s highly limited allocation of the 2018 Soldera Case Basse.