Monte Bernardi
Panzano in Chianti
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![Monte Bernardi Sangiò Chianti Classico DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi Sangiò Chianti Classico DOCG
The Monte Bernardi Sangió is a full-bodied Chianti Classico with warm, spicy aromas of ripe dark fruit. A "good friend", ideal for relaxed rounds without great depth.
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![Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico DOCG
The Retromaccia is an elegant representative of Chianti Classico with fresh, crisp aromas of cherries, plums, citrus fruits and a peppery spiciness. Harmonious acidity paired with a strong backbone, balanced and structured. A wine with forward character.
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![Monte Bernardi MB 1933 Chianti Classico DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi MB 1933 Chianti Classico DOCG
MB 1933 is a rustic, noble Chianti Classico, reminiscent of old, mixed set wines. With aromas of light berries, cherries, pepper, cloves and juniper, it develops a unique character. It embodies traditional Chianti Classico at its best.
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![Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
This Chianti Classico Riserva has deep, complex aromas. It is very elegant, soft and supple, subtle rather than showy - like a self-confident yet reserved Parisian lady whose charm unfolds as you get to know her better.
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![Monte Bernardi Sa'etta Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi Sa'etta Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Sa'etta is a dense, multi-layered Chianti Classico Riserva from old vines. It has intense aromas of cherries, plums and blackberries. Very elegant, with a beautiful structure. Present and charming.
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![Monte Bernardi Tzingarella Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT]()
Monte Bernardi Tzingarella Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
The Tzingarella is a lively, fruity wine with aromas of berries, mango, papaya and a spicy note of cassis and paprika. It plays dynamically on the palate, like waves going up and down. Ideal as a "party friend", it brings fun and liveliness to any gathering.
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![Monte Bernardi Tzingana Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT]()
Monte Bernardi Tzingana Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
The Tzingana is an opulent and elegant wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It reflects the terroir of Panzano and the signature of winemaker Michael Schmelzer - like the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles Palace for Monte Bernardi.
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![Monte Bernardi Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva]()
Monte Bernardi Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva
Aromatic scent of grass, artichoke, fruits such as bananas and apples, but also green tomatoes. Delicate pepper spice with a touch of vanilla. Strong, spicy and racy on the palate. Typical!
Monte Bernardi
Monte Bernardi, a winery in Panzano in Chianti, whose name was mentioned in documents as early as the eleventh century, is now a renowned winery in the heart of Chianti Classico. The first wines were bottled in 1992, until the Schmelzer family took over the estate in 2003 to further develop it with great dedication. In 2017, Sara and Henry Bedford joined Michael Schmelzer as co-owners, further expanding the winery and acquiring the renowned Sala winery in Panzano. Michael Schmelzer, who studied oenology and viticulture in Australia, emphasizes that the main thing he learned there was how not to make wine.
Biodynamic viticulture
On Monte Bernardi, idyllically situated between Florence and Siena, Michael Schmelzer is deeply committed to biodynamic viticulture. His aim is to produce red wines of the highest quality, which at the same time express the unadulterated character of their growing region. The biodynamics that Michael practices is more than just a method - it is a preserved tradition, a kind of homeopathy for the vineyard that embodies a deep respect for all living things in our environment. This philosophy encompasses not only the vines, but also the complex, living soils that form the foundation of viticulture. These ancient practices, which have been passed down from generation to generation in many regions of Europe, were collected by Rudolf Steiner and united under the term "biodynamics".
Monte Bernardi wines
In 2004, the Schmelzer family took over the harvest at Monte Bernardi. Today, the range includes three Chianti Classico wines: "Retromarcia" from the vineyards immediately surrounding the house, Sangiò from the Panzano Sala vineyard and MB 1933 from a single vineyard. Two red wines represent the Chianti Classico Riserva classification. The Sa'etta comes from a single vineyard with vines that are more than 50 years old, while the Monte Bernardi comes from the vineyards around Monte Bernardi. With the Tzingana - a super Tuscan - and the Tzingarella, Michael Schmelzer proves that the special terroir can also be expressed with international grape varieties. And last but not least, Michael produces a spicy olive oil.
The floor
Monte Bernardi today extends over 70 hectares of land, including 22 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards, some of which are over 50 years old. These vineyards are located on stony soil consisting of slate (Galestro), calcareous sandstone (Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese). The optimal south-facing slope at an altitude of 300 to 400 meters, the surrounding forests, the proximity to the Pesa River and the strong temperature fluctuations between day and night create unique microclimates. These special conditions, combined with the renowned vineyards south of Panzano, which are considered the "Grand Crus" of Chianti Classico, enable the production of wines that can compete with the best in the world.
For the love of Sangiovese
For Michael Schmelzer, the most important prerequisites for wine production are the maximum quality of the grapes, which are harvested by hand at the optimum time. The careful handling of the grapes during vinification in steel and cement tanks and the targeted use of large or small, new or used wooden barrels for the further maturation of the wines also contribute significantly to the quality. The wines are free from modern additives and technologies, fining or filtration, and the vineyards have been cultivated organically and biodynamically since 2004.
Top wines from Panzano
The result of the harmonious interplay of deep respect for nature, careful handling of the grapes and tireless dedication to the craft are naturally pure red wines that express the full potential of the Sangiovese grape and the unique terroir of Panzano in its purest form. Every drop reflects the soul of Monte Bernardi and captures the essence of the Sangiovese grape. This is precisely what Michael Schmelzer is particularly passionate about: revealing the true, unadulterated nature of Sangiovese and bringing its authentic character to life in the wines. He works with passion and precision to ensure that every wine tells the story and the spirit of this great grape variety.
