Case Basse, Brunello di Montalcino Soldera 1999

Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino Soldera 1999 is one of the great cult wines of Tuscany – a benchmark expression of Sangiovese Grosso that marries power, elegance and astonishing depth. Crafted by the late Gianfranco Soldera with an almost obsessive dedication to natural balance, this Brunello captures the character of a remarkable vintage and a unique estate in Montalcino. Its unique selling point lies in its purity and transparency: no technological shortcuts, spontaneous fermentations, long, patient aging and a deep respect for biodiversity in the vineyard. The 1999 embodies the classic Soldera style – lifted, complex and ageworthy – and stands as an historic reference point in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, often cited among the most coveted and collectible Italian wines of its era.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Soldera’s 1999 Brunello shows a luminous garnet core with brick-orange reflections toward the rim, a visual hallmark of a mature, traditionally crafted Brunello. The appearance is clear and vibrant, with a fine, almost weightless color that hints at both concentration and finesse. The nose is intensely aromatic and beautifully evolved: ripe and macerated sour cherries, Amarena and dried red plums unfold alongside dried violets and rose petals, leather, forest floor and tobacco leaf. Layers of sweet spices such as cinnamon, clove and a touch of licorice mingle with herbal nuances, tea leaves and a subtle balsamic lift, all framed by a mineral undertone. On the palate, the wine is complex, silky and remarkably precise. The fruit is still vivid – cherry, red currant and a hint of blood orange – supported by a fresh, linear acidity that keeps everything lively. The tannins are fine-grained and silky but still structured, giving the wine an elegant backbone rather than heft. Tertiary notes of dried herbs, underbrush, truffle, leather and savory spice expand with air, leading into a long, resonant, mineral-driven finish that lingers with notes of cherry skin, spice and earth. At this stage, the 1999 is in a beautiful drinking window, showing full tertiary complexity while retaining freshness and energy. Properly stored bottles have excellent aging potential still; the wine can continue to evolve gracefully over the coming decade, with further integration of tertiary nuances and even greater aromatic complexity.

Production
Case Basse sits in the southwestern part of Montalcino, in a particularly privileged microclimate where the vineyards are surrounded by a meticulously curated garden and natural habitats that promote biodiversity and a resilient ecosystem. The soils are a mosaic of limestone, clay and small stones, providing excellent drainage and a balance that translates into Sangiovese of great aromatic clarity, tension and depth. Grapes for Soldera’s Brunello are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, with strict selection both in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only perfect Sangiovese Grosso clusters are used. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in large, open wooden vats, without temperature control and with minimal intervention, allowing the vintage and terroir to speak clearly. After a long, natural maceration and fermentation, the wine is aged for around five years in large Slavonian oak casks, without fining or filtration. This extended, gentle élevage polishes the tannins, deepens complexity and preserves the wine’s striking purity and aromatic definition.

Food & Serving
This is a meditative Brunello that shines with refined, flavorful dishes. Ideal pairings include classic Tuscan cuisine – bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef or veal, wild boar ragù, and roast lamb with rosemary – as well as game birds, truffle dishes, and mature hard cheeses such as aged Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano. Earthy preparations with porcini mushrooms or root vegetables will echo the wine’s forest floor and savory notes. Serve at 16–18 °C to highlight both aromatics and structure. Given its age and complexity, decanting is highly recommended: 2–3 hours in a broad decanter helps the wine fully unfurl its aromatic layers and soften any remaining edges. Handle gently and stand the bottle upright beforehand to allow any natural sediment to settle before service.

Producer
Case Basse was founded by Gianfranco Soldera in the 1970s and quickly rose to near-mythical status among collectors and sommeliers for its uncompromising, terroir-driven Brunello di Montalcino. From the outset, Soldera’s philosophy centered on biodiversity, low yields and a minimal-intervention approach that sought to capture the purest possible expression of Sangiovese Grosso and the unique Case Basse site. Over the decades, the estate has become one of the most respected and influential producers in Montalcino, often mentioned in the same breath as Italy’s greatest fine wines. Soldera’s Brunellos are considered benchmarks for traditional, ageworthy Montalcino, and the estate’s commitment to meticulous vineyard work, native fermentations and long aging in large casks has inspired a generation of producers in the region. The 1999 vintage stands as a classic example of Case Basse’s style and remains a reference point for serious collectors of Tuscan fine wine.

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