Case Basse, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Soldera 1999

Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Soldera 1999 is one of the benchmark wines of Tuscany and a reference point for Sangiovese Grosso worldwide. This is a deeply traditional, uncompromising Brunello, produced in tiny quantities and prized by collectors for its purity, precision and remarkable longevity. From the classic 1999 vintage, it captures the soul of Montalcino through a combination of great terroir, low-intervention winemaking and long, patient aging in large casks. What sets this Riserva apart is its singular expression of estate-grown Sangiovese Grosso, vinified with spontaneous fermentation, no filtration and minimal intervention, allowing every nuance of the vineyard to shine. The 1999 season was long and sunny, with cool nights that preserved acidity and aromatic complexity, giving a wine of superb balance between ripe fruit, structure and freshness. In the context of Brunello’s modern history, Gianfranco Soldera’s wines from Case Basse are considered cult classics and are often cited among the greatest Italian reds ever bottled.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Soldera 1999 presents a deep garnet core with a brick-tinged rim, reflecting its maturity while still retaining impressive concentration and brightness. The nose is intensely layered and evolving: pure sour and black cherry, dried rose petals and violets, followed by tobacco leaf, cured leather, forest floor, balsamic notes and delicate hints of sweet spices and cedar. With air, more nuances appear—dried herbs, orange peel, truffle and a subtle, savory umami character. On the palate, the wine is at once powerful and refined, with a full body carried by vibrant acidity that keeps it energetic and lifted. The attack opens with vivid red and black cherry fruit, then transitions into tertiary notes of tea leaves, dried flowers, tobacco, underbrush and a touch of licorice. Tannins are fine-grained, chalky and perfectly integrated, providing structure without harshness. The finish is very long and persistent, with an elegant interplay of fruit, spice and earth that lingers for minutes. Despite its age, the 1999 still shows remarkable vitality and balance and, properly stored, has the capacity to develop further complexity over at least another decade, and potentially longer for well-cellared bottles.

Production
The grapes for Case Basse’s Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Soldera are sourced from meticulously tended vineyards in the southern part of Montalcino, where a mix of galestro and limestone-rich soils, excellent drainage and optimal exposure create ideal conditions for Sangiovese Grosso. Yields are kept extremely low to concentrate flavor and preserve the natural character of the site. Harvest is carried out by hand, with rigorous selection of bunches to ensure only perfectly healthy, optimally ripe fruit makes it into the cellar. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with native yeasts in large, traditional open wooden vats, without temperature control, additives or corrective techniques. After a long maceration, the wine is aged for around five years in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing for slow, gentle oxygen exchange and the development of complexity without overt oak flavors. Bottling is done without filtration, in line with Gianfranco Soldera’s philosophy of minimal intervention and absolute respect for the integrity of the wine.

Food & Serving
This 1999 Riserva is best paired with refined, savory dishes that match its depth and complexity: classic Tuscan bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised lamb shank, roast game birds, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino Toscano or truffle-infused dishes all complement its earthy, floral and balsamic nuances. Serve at 16–18 °C to highlight the wine’s aromatic detail and balance. Due to its age and structure, decanting is strongly recommended—open the bottle 1–3 hours before serving, carefully decant off any sediment, and allow the wine time to unfold in a broad decanter. Use large Burgundy- or wide-bowled glasses to fully express the bouquet and textural finesse.

Producer
Case Basse was founded by the late Gianfranco Soldera, a visionary vigneron whose uncompromising commitment to quality and natural vineyard expression helped redefine what Brunello di Montalcino could be. Situated in the southwestern part of Montalcino, the estate is renowned for its extraordinarily low yields, meticulous vineyard care and refusal to follow fashion or industrial practices. Over the decades, Soldera’s Brunellos, especially the Riserve such as this 1999, have achieved near-mythical status among collectors and critics, frequently cited among Italy’s greatest and most ageworthy wines. Case Basse’s influence extends far beyond its tiny production, standing as a symbol of authenticity, terroir transparency and the highest standards in the Montalcino appellation.

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