Monte Bernardi Rosé Toscana IGT

Rosé IGT from Monte Bernardi

The rosé: A full-bodied, fruity summer and food companion

Monte Bernardi's rosé is one of the most special wines of its kind: the grape combination of Sangiovese and Canaiolo (90% red wine varieties) and Malvasia and Trebbiano (10% white wine varieties) is vaguely reminiscent of the "old" Chianti Classico blend. However, the grapes come from vines in cooler locations, which produce even more aromatic fruit. The approach to production is also more reminiscent of red wine than rosé. After the must has been in contact with the skins for 12 to 24 hours - this way more color and tannins are achieved than in the usual Tuscan rosati - the drained juice is naturally fermented and then undergoes malolactic fermentation in oak barrels. The wine remains in the barrel for 8 to 10 months, followed by at least six months of ageing in the bottle. The result is a full-bodied rosé that is characterized by its soft fruitiness, elegant structure and lively acidity. The color is reminiscent of a brightly colored flamingo with violet reflections. Well chilled, but not cold, Monte Bernardi's rosé is an ideal summer and food companion.

Monte Bernardi: A piece of the heart of Tuscany and Chianti Classico

On the way through the oldest wine-growing region in the world, Chianti Classico, which lies between Florence and Siena in the heart of Tuscany, you will inevitably pass the Monte Bernardi winery owned by the Schmelzer family in Panzano. Here in and around Panzano in Chianti you will find big names in the world of wine. The Monte Bernardi winery is located at the southern tip of Panzano, so to speak. Michael Schmelzer, who was born in the USA and learned the craft of viticulture in Australia, is considered by some to be the uncrowned "King of Sangiovese" and his "palace" is the cellar. He took over the management of Monte Bernardi with the 2004 vintage. Since then, the vines, some of which are over 50 years old, have been cultivated according to the biodynamic principles of Rudolf Steiner.

Indigenous and international grape varieties for the perfect wines

In addition to the indigenous grape varieties of Tuscany, Sangiovese and Canaiolo, the international varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot can also be found at Monte Bernardi. Michael Schmelzer uses the international varieties for the Tzingana - a Supertuscan - and for its "little brother", the Tzingarella. The indigenous grape varieties are used for the production of the Chianti Classico Retromarcia and for the two Chianti Classico Riserva, Monte Bernardi and Sa'etta. Michael also makes his rosé from Sangiovese and Canaiolo and from the equally indigenous white wine varieties Malvasia and Trebbiano. The result is two different styles of wine, but they have one thing in common: They unmistakably reflect the terroir of Panzano.

Panzano in Chianti: home of good wine taste

A total of 53 hectares of vineyards and hills belong to the Monte Bernardi winery. The vines, some of which are more than 50 years old, thrive on around 15 hectares of cultivated land. At an altitude of 400 to 500 meters above sea level, the vines of Michael Schmelzer, owner of the Monte Bernardi winery, grow on south-facing slopes. Next to them are lush green forests and the river Pesa babbles nearby. These factors create an ideal microclimate for viticulture. Another "success factor" for perfect growth: depending on the location, the soil consists of slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese) - and the wine likes this. It is not for nothing that these hills south of Panzano in Chianti are known as the "Grand Cru" of Chianti Classico. 

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