A Page from History - Chiara Soldati, La Scolca

A Page from History

CHIARA SOLDATI AND THE LA SCOLCA FAMILY REPRESENT GENERATIONS OF GAVI WINEMAKING PRIDE

By Terri Marshall

An extraordinary wine originating from Cortese, internationally recognized brand La Scolca represents 103 years of Gavi tradition. Family-owned, La Scolca is now managed by Chiara Soldati who began her career as a woman winemaker in 1993 and now serves as CEO of her family’s company. “I represent the 4th generation and my 20-year-old son represents the 5th generation,” says Soldati. “The page of history of La Scolca continues with new gambles and challenges yet always remains a great ambassador of Gavi throughout the world with new investments, new activities, and exports to over 50 countries.”

La Scolca represents the authenticity and identity of Gavi. Over the years, the brand has developed into a lifestyle symbol in cities such as Dubai, Miami, Mykonos and Bodrum. Reminiscent of a travel escape, La Scolca also enjoys popularity in the Maldives and the Caribbean. A long-time partner of prestigious, iconic brands such as Ferretti, Bucellati and Bentley, the brand exudes excellence in terms of production.

Soldati takes great pride in carrying on her family’s tradition. “Our indigenous grape variety gives life to this special wine which can only be found in this small corner of Piedmont,” she explains. “It is important to make sommeliers and bartenders understand what is involved in being a producer like La Scolca which requires taking care of the product from the vineyard to the bottle. It’s a fundamental respect for quality. Even in the most difficult years with global warming, La Scolca continues to produce excellent wine without chemical additives to ensure the freshness of the fruit. “We represent technique, family, tradition and a great emotion in the glass, and this makes us very proud.”

As a woman winemaker, Soldati understands the need for balance. “There’s no doubt women winemakers have to balance work and private life,” says Soldati. “But seeing my 20-year-old son turning into a promising young man of solid and healthy values has made me realize that with some sacrifice and organization and a lot of strong will everything can be accomplished.”

Soldati doesn’t believe in differences in men and women in the winemaking industry. “I believe in merit,” she explains. Recently appointed with the Order of Merit for Labor, Soldati says this has given new meaning to her path. “I see this not as a point of arrival but as a beginning for new challenges and new goals.”

On advice for other women wanting to follow in her footsteps, Soldati encourages women to believe in themselves and not to set their own limits. She also advises women to be curious. “Never stop studying and learning new things and recognized your own accomplishments. Every journey begins with a first step and every step must be carefully studied to reach the goal.” Soldati urges women not to be discouraged by setbacks and prejudices which unfortunately still exist today. “Always be guided by your convictions. If we are good and stubborn, we can overcome all adversities.”