At a glance

Producer

Case Basse (Franco Soldera)

Region

Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$500 - $900 (secondary market, varies by condition and provenance)

Tasting profile

Black cherry, wild berries, earth, tobacco, leather, and hints of forest floor; oak influence subtle yet integrated.

Evolution: Developing complex tertiary notes of truffle, savory herbs, and dried flowers becoming more prominent with age.

At peak: Profoundly layered, mouth-coating texture with silky tannins and persistent finish showcasing refined minerality and balanced acidity.

Structure

Acidity

High, lively acidity typical of Sangiovese from Montalcino

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, resolute but silky in texture

Alcohol

14.0%

Aging potential

Very long aging potential, estimated 30-40+ years from vintage due to exemplary producer and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2042

Optimal window

2025 to 2045

Current status

Approaching early maturity but still closed; highly recommended to keep cellaring.

Current condition

Tight tannins, evolving complexity, rich structure; primary fruit still present with emerging tertiary aromas.

Soldera Case Basse Brunello is legendary for its exceptional concentration and purity derived from meticulous biodynamic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. The 2010 vintage was excellent with ideal ripening conditions, giving wines of great structure and balance, thus extending the drinking window well beyond typical Brunello aging patterns.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with aged Tuscan Pecorino, grilled red meats, wild mushroom risottos, game dishes, and hearty stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and open complex aromatics after prolonged bottle aging.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Soldera employs strict biodynamic farming methods, minimal intervention in cellar, manual harvesting, and natural yeast fermentations. Energy use is minimized, water use is carefully managed for conservation.

Franco Soldera’s estate is renowned for its holistic and sustainable agriculture embracing biodiversity and minimal environmental impact. The focus on ecosystem health, soil vitality, and manual labor over mechanization supports a high sustainability score. Though no formal certification, the adherence to biodynamic principles and a small-scale estate model results in sustainability practices above average for the region.