Monte Bernardi Tzingana Toscana Rosso IGT

Tzingana Toscana Rosso IGT from Monte Bernardi

Tzingana: The Super Tuscan with international flair

Stak Aivaliotis, former owner of Monte Bernardi, gave the Super Tuscan in the range the name Tzingana, which means gypsy. He wanted to express the fact that the international grape varieties used for this red wine - Merlot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot (15%) - which originally come from France, travel around the world like gypsies. In other words, these international grape varieties can now be found in almost every wine-growing region in the world. The unique character of the Tzingana Toscana Rosso IGT comes not least from the careful manual harvest, the joint vinification of all four grape varieties and, last but not least, the terroir of Panzano in Chianti. After natural alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine is transferred to French oak barriques, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. The wine remains in oak barrels for at least 24 months and then matures for a further 12 months in the bottle. This full-bodied wine is packed with complex and soft fruit components. Its tannins, acidity and intensely fruity cherry notes are unmistakably Tuscan. But the typical Bordeaux aromas of fresh blackcurrants, blueberries and pleasant mineral undertones can also be found. This wine can be stored for 20 years with a clear conscience - or you can drink it straight away, which also promises maximum drinking pleasure. It is also available in a large 1.5 liter bottle. With the Tzingana, the current owner of Monte Bernardi, Michael Schmelzer, proves that he not only understands Sangiovese, but is also "very international", as he himself puts it. 

Panzano in Chianti: The insider tip for wine lovers

German-American Michael Schmelzer, the owner of Monte Bernardi in Panzano in Chianti, originally studied oenology and viticulture in Australia. But as he says himself, he actually learned there how not to make wine. Here at Monte Bernardi in the world-famous Chianti Classico wine region - halfway between Florence and Siena - the winemaker now practises biodynamic viticulture according to the principles of Rudolf Steiner out of the deepest conviction. Having dedicated himself entirely to the Sangiovese grape and the revival of old techniques and processing traditions, he is often referred to as "Mr. Sangiovese" in Panzano. This is because Michael is a master in handling this indigenous Italian flagship variety. His aim is to produce red wines of the ultimate quality paired with the most authentic expression of the growing region. And he succeeds perfectly, as the fans of his wines and the many national and international awards show.

Monte Bernardi winery: Tuscan tradition meets internationality

Roughly speaking, Monte Bernardi offers wine lovers two styles of wine: on the one hand, the traditional red wines of the Chianti Classico appellation, which are made from the indigenous Sangiovese and Canaiolo grape varieties: The Chianti Classico Retromarcia as a "door opener", so to speak, then of course the Chianti Classico Riserva as well as the Chianti Classico Riserva Sa'etta, i.e. the Blitz. Michael Schmelzer also produces red wines from international grape varieties that never lose their regional character: For example, the Super-Tuscan Tzingana and its "little brother", the Tzingarella, both of which are made from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot grape varieties. The rosé is not quite red, but a strong flamingo pink. The olive oil pressed at Monte Bernardi is also typically Tuscan.

Perfect locations, perfect climate, perfect wines!

The Monte Bernardi vineyards in the hills south of Panzano are among the "Grand Crus" of Chianti Classico in Tuscany. The grapes, from which Michael Schmelzer produces some of the best wines in the world, ripen on a total of 15 hectares of vineyards. The vines grow on stony soils: either on slate (Galestro), on sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or on limestone (Alberese). Another advantage is the perfect southern exposure of the Monte Bernardi vineyards at an altitude of 300 to 400 meters above sea level. All around, forests and the nearby Pesa River create a perfect microclimate that allows the vines to sprout and bear fruit. The result: the unique wines of Monte Bernardi! And not to forget: The excellent extra virgin olive oil - pure Tuscany...

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

Limestone, sandstone

South

300 - 400 meters above sea level.

3,000 (old systems) - 5,000 vines per ha

Cordon