Monte Bernardi Tzingarella Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT

Tzingarella Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT from Monte Bernardi

Tzingarella: A young wine from young vines

Similar to the Tzingana from Monte Bernardi, the Tzingarella Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT is made primarily from international grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and some Colorino - an autochthonous grape variety from Tuscany. As the vines for the Tzingana are already 50 years old, Michael Schmelzer began planting new international varieties a few years ago. Although the plants, which are now between five and seven years old, are already bearing grapes, they do not yet have the full potential needed for Tzingana. The young grapes are therefore bottled as Tzingarella. This makes Tzingarella the "little brother" of Tzingana, so to speak. Accordingly, the vinification is also based on that of Tzingana. In other words, all grape varieties are vinified together, i.e. not as single varietals. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in steel tanks at a maximum temperature of 30° C for a period of 20 to 27 days. The wine is then transferred to oak barrels for malolactic fermentation, followed by a maturation period of 18 months in used wooden barrels. Grapes and vinification are the reasons why this red wine from Tuscany presents a different aroma and flavor profile than the typical Chianti Classico wines, which are primarily made from Sangiovese.

Monte Bernardi: A piece of Tuscany and Chianti Classico

On the SS 222 national road, the famous Chiantigiana, which connects Florence and Siena, the route leads past the Monte Bernardi winery, which is owned by Michael Schmelzer. Here, in the oldest wine-growing region in the world, lies the small, medieval village of Panzano in Chianti. Here you can meet the big names of the wine world at every turn. And it is here, at the southern tip of Panzano, that the Monte Bernardi winery is located. The German-American Michael Schmelzer, who studied oenology in Australia, is also known by some as "Mr. Sangiovese". Since he took over the management of Monte Bernardi with the 2004 vintage, he has not only cultivated the vineyards according to the biodynamic principles of Rudolf Steiner, but is also constantly in search of old traditions and the genuine, unadulterated taste of Tuscany - and that is without doubt the Sangiovese grape.

Sangiovese, Canaiolo & Co. - only the best for the best wines

Ultimately, it was his great love for the indigenous Sangiovese grape variety that led Michael Schmelzer to the heart of Tuscany and kept him here. And this devotion is also very clearly reflected in the Monte Bernardi range: in addition to the "door-opener" Chianti Classico Retromarcia, which is made from pure Sangiovese, two other Chianti Classico Riserva, the Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva made from Sangiovese with a small addition of Canaiolo, and the Sa'etta Chianti Classico Riserva made from 100 percent Sangiovese are also produced. In addition to the Super-Tuscans Tzingana, which is made from the international grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the Tzingarella is a relatively new addition to the Monte Bernardi wine family. Because it is made from grapes from younger vines, this cuvée is the "little brother" of the great Tzingana, so to speak. The strong rosé from Monte Bernardi is a fruity summer drink. The range is completed by an extra virgin olive oil with an excellent taste - the olive trees also grow on Monte Bernardi. 

Panzano in Chianti: The "Grand Cru" of Chianti Classico

Vines grow on around 15 of the 53 hectares of land belonging to Monte Bernardi. Some of the plants are more than 50 years old. There are also numerous olive trees in the surrounding hills that are certainly even older. This interplay between the careful treatment of nature and the perfect landscape conditions can result in unique wines: The south-facing vineyards are located at an altitude of 400 to 500 meters above sea level. The river Pesa flows nearby, which, together with the surrounding forests, creates an ideal microclimate. The soil also plays a major role in viticulture: depending on the location, Monte Bernardi is home to slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese) - perfect for winegrowing. 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

Limestone, sandstone

South

300 - 400 meters above sea level.

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

Cordon