La Scolca estate was purchased between 1917 and 1919 by the great-grandfather of Giorgio Soldati who, today, leads the company with his daughter Chiara.
At the time of purchase, In 1919, the land was used, in part, to produce grain and the rest was covered by forest. The Soldati family had a well-studied plan: to plant Cortese vineyards in an area traditionally used to cultivate only red grapes. The production soon became a major technical enterprise. La Scolca is the oldest company in the area for continuity of management by the same family. It is also the most modern.
The surname Soldati “soldiers” is particularly symbolic of the approach taken by the company’s owners. The name of the property, as well, is symbolic. La Scolca comes from “Sfurca” or “Look off into the distance” and the farmhouse that stood there was exactly that – a lookout post.
These names reflect the proud and tenacious character of the owners and their wines.
The Vineyard
La Scolca has its vineyards in the most beautiful locations in Rovereto, and its “Gavi dei Gavi”® represents the very best of the wine the can be found in this microarea. But this exciting result does not come exclusively because of the fortunate position of our vineyards: it is also the fruit of well-considered enological practice. With raw materials and conditions similar to other producers in the area, our expertise permits us to always be one step ahead.
The Cortese grapes, for example, in the Gavi region, near Novi Ligure, result in a wine with an aristocratic personality – basic and intense, durable and elegant; and, within the borders of the small municipality of Gavi, the best results are obtained in the Rovereto district. If we classify the region as is done in France, Rovereto di Gavi would be, without any doubt, the “Grand Cru” of the Cortese grape.
The Gavi wine made from the Cortese grape was actually invented here at La Scolca in the 1950s. It has since become a classic.
The Company manages an area of about 50 hectares of vineyards, consisting of about 200 km. of rows of vines. During a single crop season, these rows are visited from eight to ten times, on foot or by a tractor. The distance from the plant to plant ranges from 90 cm to 2.4 metres. The density is about 4500 vines per hectare. All the vineyards are in the best sites of Rovereto di Gavi. Sea air, full sunlight exposure from sunrise to sunset, coolness and minimal dews. All of these elements create the proper alternating conditions that are ideal for a complete and correct ripening of the grapes, a prerequisite for good wine.
Award-Winning Wine – The class of a classic
The prestigious “Gavi dei Gavi” ® La Scolca® is obtained through the strictest respect for nature, the most ancient and traditional cultivation rules, from pruning to the harvest with a strict and careful selection in the vineyards that reach sixty years of age. ‘age. In the cellar, with winemaking techniques refined in over 90 years of experience, a model of Gavi still unsurpassed is born: a term of comparison and reference, the result of a long tradition for generations. A wine that amazes: contrasts a delicate character with a strong character and a great personality. A wine suspended in time. Alive and intense, harmonious and balanced, it offers surprising freshness and continuity. The complex hints of flint, almond and walnut know how to evolve over time: a wine with the soul of the child, but with the heart of an adult.
GAVI DOCG “BLACK LABEL” GAVI DEI GAVI 2019
CLASSIFICATION: Gavi DOCG wine – dry white.
GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Courteous.
PRODUCTION AREA: hilly – Gavi.
VINIFICATION TECHNIQUE: in white, cold, partially macerated on the skins; left until bottling, in contact with the first fermentation yeasts (autochthonous) or “sur lie”.
START OF AVAILABILITY OF THE LAST VINTAGE PRODUCED: end of April / May.
RECOMMENDED PERIOD OF CONSUMPTION: without problems: excellent in the early years, it maintains its characteristics very well over time.
SERVICE TEMPERATURE: around 12 ° C.
COLOR: light straw yellow, with delicate greenish reflections.
BOUQUET: intense, long, continuous, persistent, from fruity to flowery depending on the state of evolution.
FLAVOR: ample, sapid, hints of flint; almond and walnut in the finish.
GASTRONOMIC COMBINATIONS: excellent as an aperitif or throughout the meal; in addition to the typical combinations for white wines (fish, crustaceans, and seafood), it does not fear the combination with white meats, noble poultry and light roasts.
Interview of Ms. Chiara Soldati
CEO/Export manager
Question 1: Do you already export to Singapore ? If yes, where ? If no, what type of importers & distributors are you looking for in Singapore ?
In 2020, La Scolca celebrates its 100th harvest. The Centennial was a celebrations and a tribute to all lovers of La Scolca, both young and old, who love to get together and toast the achievement of this extraordinary product from the Gavi region in Italy.
The company’s determination to modernize extends to its internal organization and management techniques. New collaborative partnerships and continuing investment play an important role in improving La Scolca’s competitiveness and in facing the challenges of the global market specially we have a focus to increase Asian market and obviously, Singapore where we are looking forward to find a distribution.
There is no shortage of praise and acclamation for having reached the Centennial milestone. The latest comes from the Singapore Newspaper sponsored Singapore Awards 2020 with the conferring of the Gold Medal to La Scolca. The prize recognizes the commitment, dedication and the visionary approach of the Soldati Family and, in particular, of Chiara, a true emissary of Italian excellence and lifestyle in the world.
Question 2: What is the most unique and qualitative part of your products, different from competitors ?
“These 100 years tell the story of our identity,” proudly states Chiara Soldati. “Our DNA is made up of passion, courage and the willingness to make unconventional choices…to look forward and anticipate the future without betraying our origins – as we have done since 1919 when the company was founded – a century of investment in the Gavi region, a region in which we have always believed, and the resolve to experiment and grow continuously without compromise.”
“Chiara continues “…this is a job that can only be done if you have enthusiasm, dedication, love for wine and a strong inner motivation. How do I see the world of wine looking to the future? The international market is in a phase of great change, so producers of indigenous wines such as La Scolca must further define their niche of excellence. This is precisely the strength of Made in Italy, creating value for a niche.”
“We have a new young collaborator who is carrying out a tourism project that we hope to be able to present and inaugurate soon – adds Chiara Soldati – to always look ahead, ready for new challenges and opportunities:” memento audere semper “.
And after 100 years, La Scolca is always closer to its public, both to toast and celebrate every special moment and to make every normal day extraordinary.
Question 3: When did you start to export your brand worldwide, and what is your development plan for the next years ?
We started to export wine more than 40 years ago !
La Scolca with its 100 years of history and the 100th harvest is equipped to continue its strategic and operational activities both in the vineyard and in the international markets.
Meanwhile, the company continues to carry on all the other projects it has started: the expansion of the new cellar inaugurated last year, the works for the enlargment of the welcoming and tasting area, the enhancement of the digital sector and technological innovation, and the fundamental work of business coaching and motivation of the internal team, new digital wine tastings for professional sommelier and wine lover.
We are always focused to find new markets and new partner. We need to find ambassadors of wine culture before to find business partnership.
At the center of the our projects are two unforgettable wines that symbolize the company’s success: Black Label Gavi dei Gavi – known for the complexity and elegance of its aromas and its long and intense flavor – and La Scolca D ‘Antan, La Scolca’s
Gorgeous wine, produced only in the best years, with at least 10 years of aging. Both are wines with unique aromas and flavors that have conquered the world’s most prestigious tables.
The company has embarked upon several new and important initiatives.
An increasingly interactive website aimed at the international community of consumers and enthusiasts – actors increasingly decisive for the success of a brand in the complex and crowded wine market – and a renewed partnership with importers, distributors, and retailers. A newly renovated wine cellar and production facility, which will open its doors to visitors and aficionados from all over Italy and the world in March. The cantina, itself, will become an immersive taste experience for everyone. Bookings are now open and can be made on the site www.lascolca.net.
For more information about their wines, CLICK HERE
