The wine world is in mourning as it salutes the winemaker of Case Basse, Gianfranco Soldera

The wine world is in mourning: Gianfranco Soldera, the iconic wine producer of Case Basse in Montalcino, has died. Soldera, who was a controversial and much talked about figure has been the victim of an accident in the vineyards. His historic Brunello di Montalcino Reserves are still today among the most admired and sought-after Italian wines in the world. Soldera was born in Treviso in 1937, and raised in Milan. He worked as a finance and insurance broker for many years. He was a pioneer in the wine world. in a few short years becoming one of the most famous Italian wine producers. He purchased Case Basse, in South-West Montalcino in the early ‘70s, which today counts 23 hectares, and planted the first vineyards with Sangiovese between 1972 and 1973, making viniculture and "natural" wine, the pillar of his production philosophy. The first wine was made from the 1975 vintage, and the first Brunello di Montalcino signed Case Basse, vintage 1977, arrived on the scene in 1982. It was produced until 2006, when the winery’s production continued under TGI Toscana, while remaining faithful to the 100% Sangiovese philosophy. The passing of Soldera, at the age of 82, comes out of the blue just during Benvenuto Brunello 2019. The editors of WineNews send their deepest condolences to his wife Graziella, his children, Monica and Mauro Soldera and to his beloved grandchildren.