Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico DOCG

Chianti Classico Retromarcia DOCG from Monte Bernardi

Backwards into the future

Michael Schmelzer, owner of Monte Bernardi, is very keen to offer his customers a Chianti Classico that is typical of Panzano and does not follow modern trends. For this reason, he has decided to produce his Chianti Classico from 100 percent Sangiovese from the 2010 vintage onwards. And he has given this red wine the name "Retromarcia", which means something like "reverse gear". This is why the capsule also features the symbol for a manual gearbox. But for the winemaker, the reverse gear means much more: it is a return to the natural elegance and charm of the Sangiovese grape and thus a commitment to traditionally produced Chianti Classico. The Sangiovese grapes are usually harvested by hand between the end of September and the beginning of October. The grapes undergo alcoholic fermentation in steel and cement tanks at a controlled temperature of no more than 30°C for around 20 days. For malolactic fermentation, the young wine is then placed in barriques and tonneaux that have been used several times. The Retromarcia is stored there for 18 months, then bottled without filtration and stored in the cellar for a further six months. The result: a very, very elegant Chianti Classico with the typical Sangiovese aromas of dark berries on the nose and a fruity, easy-drinking and convivial taste. By the way: This great drinking pleasure is also available in the large 1.5-liter magnum bottle.

The Monte Bernardi winery in the hills of Tuscany

Monte Bernardi covers more than 53 hectares of land. Around 15 hectares of this are vineyards of varying ages - the oldest are over 50 years old. The vineyards are located in the hills south of Panzano in a top location that is one of the "Grand Crus" of Chianti Classico. The soils here are very stony and, depending on the location, consist of slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese). The vineyards are located on a perfect south-facing slope at an altitude of around 350 meters, surrounded by forests and in the immediate vicinity of the river Pesa. All these factors contribute to the unique microclimate of these vineyards. Monte Bernardi has been practicing biodynamic viticulture according to the principles of Rudolf Steiner since 2004. According to Michael, this is the best way to express the terroir, the ultimate quality and at the same time the harmony between the vineyards and the environment.

Panzano in Chianti - a small village with great wines

Since 2003, Michael Schmelzer has owned the Monte Bernardi winery in Panzano in Chianti, which is located in the wonderful Chianti Classico wine region exactly between Florence and Siena. If you drive along the SS 222, the Chiantigiana, which connects these two towns, you will pass right by Monte Bernardi. Michael is also known as "Mr. Sangiovese". Although he was born and raised in the USA and studied oenology in Australia, the winemaker is a master of this indigenous and most important grape variety in Italy. If Sangiovese is treated with care and sensitivity, it can produce wines of absolute top quality. And the numerous national and international awards for Monte Bernardi wines show that this is indeed the case.

In love with Sangiovese - the leading variety of Chianti Classico

A family story led Michael Schmelzer, who actually has German-American roots, to Tuscany. Ultimately, it turned into a great love for the autochthonous Sangiovese grape variety. And this devotion is also very clearly reflected in the Monte Bernardi range: in addition to the "door-opener" Retromarcia Chianti Classico, which is made from pure Sangiovese, two other Chianti Classico Riserva, the Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva made from Sangiovese and Canaiolo and the Sa'etta Chianti Classico Riserva made from 100 percent Sangiovese, are also produced. With the Tzingarella, the Monte Bernardi wine family has gained yet another new member. This cuvée made from international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot is the "little brother", so to speak, of the super Tuscan Tzingana. The powerful rosé from Monte Bernardi is also a summer companion par excellence. 

In Italy, in the region Tuscany, in the region Chianti Classico, in Panzano in Chianti

Schmelzer family

Michael Schmelzer

15 ha of which around 11 ha are classified as Chianti Classico

Galestro, Alberese, Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte

South

300 - 400 meters above sea level.

Cordon