Soldera family defiant after vandalism

Top Brunello di Montalcino producer, the Soldera family, has vowed to stand firm after vandals destroyed six vintages of Case Basse.

In a statement the family confirmed that its cellar had been broken into and the vintages damaged, as reported by the drinks business on Tuesday.

The family said: “During the night between Sunday, 2 December and Monday, 3 December, unknown people broke into our cellar at Case Basse; they did not steal a single bottle, but with an extremely serious act of deliberate criminal vandalism for the whole area, they opened the vales of 10 barrels of six vintages of future Brunello di Montalcino: 2007 – 2008 – 2009 – 2010 – 2011 – 2012.

“This loss amounts to 62,600 litres of Brunello resulting in considerable economic damage.”

As yet no motives or suspects have emerged, but there has been speculation that the vandalism is linked to a criminal organisation and the family vowed to carry on in spite of the vandalism.

The statement went on to say: “Our thoughts and actions, at the moment, are directed solely to the future, because no intimidation can stop our work and passion for this land and the products it yields.

“This gesture deserves no description, such is the seriousness that it will ring out well beyond the boundaries of our winery.

“We would like to thank all those who have shown and are showing their support.”