The Firebrand of Montalcino: Gianfranco Soldera’s Enduring Influence

Few figures in the world of fine wine have stirred as much admiration, debate, and fascination as Gianfranco Soldera. His uncompromising vision and fiercely independent spirit helped redefine what Brunello di Montalcino could be, and the legacy he left behind continues to shape Italian wine today. But where did it all begin?

The Sabotage That Shocked Montalcino

In December 2012, Andrea di Gisi, a disgruntled ex-employee of the Casse Basse estate in Montalcino, broke into the estate and proceeded to open the taps on barrels containing 62,000 litres of wine. Anyone would be correct in thinking that the equivalent of 84,000 bottles draining onto the cellar floor, worth millions of Euros, would prove overwhelming for a producer and perhaps even cause them to cease making wine altogether.

Thankfully, and to the relief of wine lovers around the world, Gianfranco Soldera decided to persevere. Up until his death in 2019, he was one of the most revered and iconic winemakers in the world. The incident at the estate, something that wouldn’t be out of place in a Francis Ford Coppola epic, was just part of the tale at this most storied Italian estate.

A Philosophy Rooted in the Vineyard

In the early 1970s, Soldera left his career as an insurance broker and purchased the 23-hectare Casse Basse property in the heart of Montalcino. Soldera planted his first vines in 1972, followed by additional plantings in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. The vineyards feature rocky soils with high mineral content, which is ideal for cultivating Sangiovese. Soldera was meticulous in his farming, practising techniques such as selective de-leafing, replacing vines individually, and training canopies naturally to maximise sunlight exposure.

With a deep affection for the natural world, Soldera’s philosophy was simple: great wines are made in the vineyard, not the cellar. He pursued a biodynamic and organic approach to making his wines and cultivated a vibrant garden around the estate. His belief was that a healthy and biodiverse ecosystem would significantly benefit his vines.

Soldera’s wines, aged in large wooden casks, became renowned for their exceptional complexity and sense of place, showcasing the true potential of Sangiovese. His commitment to organic and biodynamic principles, along with his hands-off approach in the cellar, set his wines apart from others in Montalcino. By the late 1990s, Soldera’s wines had earned global recognition, making him one of the most revered winemakers in the world.

Standing Alone: From Brunellogate to IGT

Even before the 2012 incident, Soldera had found himself at odds with the region. In 2008, the ‘Brunellogate’ scandal shook the Montalcino wine industry, involving allegations of fraud related to Brunello di Montalcino production. Some producers were accused of blending non-Sangiovese grapes or mislabelling wines. Soldera, known for his integrity, found himself at the centre of the controversy, not as a perpetrator, but as one of the most vocal critics. Although he was never implicated in any wrongdoing, the scandal forced a re-evaluation of production standards and heightened scrutiny in the region.

In 2012, Soldera decided to turn his back on the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, citing ongoing disagreements over governance and quality control. From this point onwards, he listed his wines under Toscana IGT. This move meant abandoning the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG designation, allowing him greater creative freedom but also requiring him to forgo the region’s highest-tier classification on labels, a bold statement that reinforced his unwillingness to compromise.

Legacy of a Wine Icon

If anything, his decision to turn his back on his peers and forge a solo path has only added to the cachet of his wines. His unique approach and unwavering commitment to his philosophy have seen his wines gain a loyal following amongst the world’s top-tier collectors. This global appeal and restricted supply have meant that the wines have appreciated handsomely over the past 10 years.

With reference to the supply, the act of vandalism back in 2012 most certainly had the desired effect, essentially wiping out all production from the vintages from 2007 to 2012. Over this period, the wines have appreciated by an average of 260%. Perhaps the most impressive part is that the wines have weathered the proverbial market storm that has ensued over the past two years and have appreciated by 15% since October 2022.

Cult Wines Soldera Index vs Liv-ex Italy 100 and Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 (2016–2025)

^{Source: Pricing data & Indices from Liv-ex as of 21 March 2025.}

Gianfranco Soldera passed away unexpectedly in February 2019 at the age of 82 after collapsing from a heart attack while driving near his estate. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the wine world. Tributes poured in from winemakers, critics, and collectors across the globe, all recognising Soldera’s unmatched contributions to winemaking.

Even in death, Soldera’s influence continues. The estate remains in the capable hands of his children, Monica and Mauro, along with their spouses, Gianpaolo Franco and Valeria Farina. They have upheld Soldera’s exacting standards, ensuring that Case Basse remains a family-run operation defined by its founder’s principles.

Soldera was a perfectionist who demanded as much from others as he did from himself. His fiery temperament often alienated those who could not meet his exacting standards, but it was this same drive that produced wines of unparalleled depth and complexity. His confidence and ambition were legendary, hallmarks of a man who believed deeply in the quality of his work.

For many, Soldera was more than a winemaker. He was an artist, a scientist, and a philosopher of wine. His relentless pursuit of excellence reshaped Brunello di Montalcino and elevated Sangiovese to its rightful place among the world’s greatest varietals.

In a region steeped in tradition, Gianfranco Soldera’s firebrand legacy reminds us that true innovation often requires defiance.