La Scolca estate was purchased between 1917 and 1919 by Giorgio Soldati’s great-grandfather, the current owner, who now runs the company together with his daughter, Chiara Soldati.
The land was used in part to produce grain at the time of the purchase, in 1919, and the rest was covered by forest. There was a well-studied plan for the Soldati family: to plant Cortese vineyards in an area traditionally used to grow 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.
Very recently, La Scolca has joined Singapore Awards 2021 and won a gold medal in this prestigious competition:
Gavi DOCG “GAVI DEI GAVI” ™ – Black Label 2019 Vintage
Awarded Gold Medal by Singapore Newspaper
Gavi wine obtained the DOC in 1974 and later the DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) in 1998. A few years before the DOC Gavi, La Scolca® began the production of wine which, even today, can be considered the most representative of the company and also a brand known all over the world: Gavi dei Gavi ®, a trademark registered in Europe since 1969 and in the United States since 1971, better known as “Black Label”.
A high quality wine can only be made from grapes grown in places where there is harmony between the soil, the climate, the altitude, the exposure and the processes that combine innovation and tradition, in order to obtain scents and full aromas as during the tasting of La Scolca® “Gavi dei Gavi®”. Always seeking superior quality is the guarantee by the La Scolca® Brand and also its philosophy: to obtain an excellent wine, excellent grapes are needed. It is a difficult job to produce wine “in the vineyard” rather than “in the cellar”, that is, to grow the best grapes possible and to make the wine come from a high quality raw material. The results of this processing are evident during the tasting: the most complex and elegant wine, with personality attributable to the terroir.
The black label, “G Soldati G” (the Soldati family signs this special wine with its family name, as a seal of quality) is a surprising wine. Gavi dei Gavi ® is noble and unique; well known among jet-setters and royalty, but remains deeply attached to its origins. The wine must recall the emotion. Wine is passion and for this reason the quality of Gavi La Scolca® manages to overcome fashions and trends, with a strong personality and great character. It is very difficult to forget Gavi La Scolca® after tasting it.
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 ?
We are looking for an Importer & distributor in Singapore with a qualified portfolio. The Asian market is really strategic for our Company.
In 2020 La Scolca celebrated 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 2021 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.
