Brunello di Montalcino (1998)

About this wine

The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino from Soldera's Case Basse estate offers a delicate bouquet of cherries, roses, and minerals. On the palate, it presents a medium-bodied structure with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and rose petal, supported by embracing acidity and well-integrated tannins. This wine is known for its transparency and weightlessness, characteristics that define Soldera's best wines. The 1998 vintage is considered an archetypal example, highlighting the transparent, ultra-pure agility that makes it like no other Sangiovese out there. This wine is in a beautiful place right now, offering a rich, intense experience with exceptional balance and pure class.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name means "blood of Jove," is a red grape variety that has been cultivated in Italy for centuries. In the mid-19th century, Clemente Santi of Montalcino selected a particular clone of Sangiovese, known as Sangiovese Grosso, to produce wines with deeper color and more robust tannins. This clone became the foundation for Brunello di Montalcino, a wine made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes. Gianfranco Soldera, who established the Case Basse estate in 1972, was renowned for his dedication to producing exceptional Brunello di Montalcino using traditional methods, including aging the wine in large Slavonian oak casks for extended periods.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Soldera's Case Basse estate is renowned for its elegance and depth, showcasing the exceptional quality of Sangiovese grapes from Montalcino.
• 🏡 Gianfranco Soldera, the founder of Case Basse, was a former insurance broker from Milan who purchased the estate in 1972 with the vision of producing world-class Brunello di Montalcino.
• 🌹 The Case Basse estate features a two-hectare botanical garden with over 1,500 rose varieties, contributing to a unique ecosystem that supports the health of the vineyards.
• 💔 In December 2012, the winery suffered a significant loss when a former employee vandalized the cellar, resulting in the destruction of over 600 hectoliters of wine from the 2007 to 2012 vintages.
• 🛢️ Soldera's winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, utilizing natural fermentation with native yeasts and aging the wine in large Slavonian oak casks for extended periods to develop complexity and depth.

Palate profile

Producer

Founded in 1972 by Gianfranco and Graziella Soldera, Case Basse is a renowned winery in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy. The estate spans 23 hectares, with 8 hectares dedicated to Sangiovese vineyards, and is celebrated for producing exceptional Brunello di Montalcino wines. Emphasizing natural farming methods and minimal intervention, the Solderas created a unique ecosystem, including a botanical garden with over 1,500 rose varieties, to enhance biodiversity. In 2012, the winery faced a significant setback when a former employee vandalized the cellar, destroying multiple vintages; however, the estate persevered and continued its commitment to quality winemaking. After Gianfranco's passing in 2019, the family has upheld the winery's legacy, maintaining its dedication to producing some of Italy's most sought-after wines.