At Tenuta Solar in Monteforte d’Alpone, time seems to follow a different rhythm. Here, among the vineyards climbing the slopes of ancient, long-extinct volcanoes, a deep knowledge is cultivated—one that blends tradition, ingenuity, and passion. The estate’s name itself reflects this spirit: Solar, from the old solaio, was the place where grapes were once dried to produce precious wines. Even today, this ancient method remains the beating heart of the estate’s production.
Andrea Bolla, who has been leading the family winery for years, explains this process with simplicity and genuine enthusiasm. After harvest, which takes place at the end of August through careful manual selection of the finest grape clusters, the grapes are hung on vertical racks, with just enough space between them to allow for even ventilation. It is a meticulous task: the drying must affect the entire cluster uniformly, with particular attention to the stems—an essential element of the process. Time does the rest: the grapes remain drying for four to five months, until March or April, depending on the year’s weather conditions. The result? A very low yield, around 25%, but a wine that Andrea proudly calls “stellar.”
The Soave territory plays a crucial role in this quality. “Here we’re on sasso nero (black stone),” Andrea explains, referring to the volcanic soil that gives the wine extraordinary minerality. This character complements and balances the typical fruity expression of Soave, making it highly versatile at the table: excellent with fish dishes, but also evolving into more structured styles, suitable for meats and aged cheeses.
And this versatility is one of the many surprises that the Soave region offers its visitors. “Here,” Andrea smiles, “it’s a bit like a little gastronomic Disneyland: with cheeses, soppressa, boiled meats, wines, and history—you’ll find it all.” A sincere invitation to explore not only the vineyards and cellars, but also the region’s historical treasures, such as the famous Soave Castle and the valley of fossils.
The story of the Bolla family spans six generations tied to the vine. For a long time, the wine was produced and sold in bulk, but in the early 2000s, Andrea, his father, and his brother decided to focus on bottling high-quality wine. Today, father and son continue to work side by side in the vineyards, cellar, and sales, with an honest and authentic philosophy that permeates every corner of the estate.
And for those wishing to fully immerse themselves in this atmosphere, there’s even the option to stay at the estate’s charming B&B, playfully named Bevi e Dormi (“Drink and Sleep”), with rooms named after the estate’s wines. A simple and perfect idea for wine lovers who want to experience it all with no worries.
Visiting Tenuta Solar is just like that: an encounter with the authentic passion of a family, with a region rich in history, and with a wine that tells the story of a profound connection between the land and those who cultivate it.
