Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG from Monte Bernardi

A Sangiovese riserva with a lightning impact

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is an elegant, full-bodied red wine, typical of Chianti Classico, made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo. The Sangiovese grapes for this Riserva come from the old vineyards of Monte Bernardi, and give the wine more structure, complexity and shelf life. The vines are more than 50 years old and grow in a soil rich in slate quarry (Galestro) and limestone (Alberese). After the natural alcoholic fermentation, which takes place in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, the wine is transferred to oak barrels, where the biological acid degradation takes place. The Riserva then remains in oak for at least 24 months, followed by 12 months in the bottle. The result is a fruity, aromatic Sangiovese wine with a fine, soft tannin structure and cherry, sour cherry and berry aromas. A wine that promises drinking pleasure right from the start, but which also richly rewards the previous waiting period with increasing age. The ruby red, which is also available in a 1.5 liter Magnum version, tolerates 12 to 15 years in the bottle well and gladly.

Monte Bernardi winery: Tuscany tradition meets international innovation

At Monte Bernardi, this winery in Panzano in Chianti owned by the German-American Michael Schmelzer, you will find two wine styles. On the one hand you will find the traditional red wines of the Chianti Classico appellation, which lies between Florence and Siena, from the autochthonous Sangiovese and Canaiolo grape varieties: these include the Retromarcia Chianti Classico, the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG and the Chianti Classico Riserva with the name Sa’etta from the separate vineyard with the same name. On the other hand, Michael Schmelzer also skilfully produces red wines from international grape varieties with a strong regional character: the super tuscan Tzingana and its little brother, the Tzinganella, both made from  Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot grape varieties. And the Monte Bernardi Rosé, which is a fabulous summer companion. These wines could stand under the motto “international innovations meet regional traditions”.

Biodynamic viticulture in the heart of Chianti Classico

The Monte Bernardi winery owns 53 hectares of land, 15 of which are planted with vines, some of which are over 50 years old. Michael Schmelzer’s vines grow at an altitude of between 400 and 500 metres on a perfect south-facing slope. The surrounding forests and the immediate proximity to the Pesa river provide an ideal microclimate. The soil here is very stony and consists of slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese). And the plants like that. Not for nothing are these hills south of Panzano in Chianti called the "grand cru" of Chianti Classico. Since 2004, Monte Bernardi has been cultivating biodynamic grapes according to Rudolf Steiner’s principles. This is the only way to achieve the best quality and harmony between the vineyard and the environment.

The revival of Sangiovese

If you follow the SS 222 road, the Chiantigiana road that connects Florence and Siena, you will inevitably reach the Monte Bernardi winery near Panzano in Chianti. And even from the wine critics’ point of view you cannot miss Monte Bernardi: numerous national and international awards, the best ratings in wine guides and trade magazines. Since 2003, Michael Schmelzer has been the owner of the Monte Bernardi winery in Panzano in Chianti. After having devoted himself entirely to the revival of the Sangiovese grape, to the return to ancient techniques and processing traditions, he is sometimes named "Mr. Sangiovese". Michael is a master in dealing with this autochthonous leading Italian variety. And this, although - or perhaps because - he was born and raised in the USA and studied oenology in Australia. Meanwhile he also got Sangiovese and Tuscany in his blood.