Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico DOCG

Chianti Classico Retromarcia DOCG from Monte Bernardi

In reverse into the future

Michael Schmelzer, the owner of Monte Bernardi, is keen to offer his customers a Chianti Classico that is typical for Panzano and does not follow modern trends. Therefore starting with the 2010 vintage he decided to make his Chianti Classico only of Sangiovese grapes. And he gave this red wine the name "Retromarcia", which means "reverse gear". This is why you will find the symbol of a manual gearbox on the capsule. However reverse gear means much more for the winemaker: it is a return to the natural elegance and charm of the Sangiovese grape and thus a commitment to the traditionally produced Chianti Classico. Sangiovese is harvested only by hand, usually between the end of September and the beginning of October. The grapes are placed in steel and cement tanks for alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature of maximum 30°C for about 20 days. The young wine is then placed in barrels and tuns that have been used several times for malolactic fermentation. The Retromarcia matures there for 18 months, then bottled without filtration and stored in the cellar for further six months. The result is a very, very elegant Chianti Classico with the typical Sangiovese aromas of dark berries, in the mouth fruity and joyful and convivial. By the way this drinking pleasure is also available in large formats like 1.5 liter magnum bottle.

The Monte Bernardi winery in the hills of Tuscany

Monte Bernardi covers more than 53 hectares of land. About 15 hectares of them are vineyards of different ages - the oldest are over 50 years old. The vineyards are located in the hills south of Panzano in a top location, which is one of the "grand crus" of Chianti Classico. The soils here are very stony and consist of slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese), depending on the location. The vineyards are perfectly situated on a southern slope at an altitude of about 350 metres, surrounded by woods and close to the Pesa river. All these factors contribute to the unique microclimate of these vineyards. Since 2004, Monte Bernardi has been cultivating biodynamic grapes according to Rudolf Steiner’s principles. Michael thinks that this is the best way to express the terroir, the ultimate quality and at the same time the harmony between the vineyards and the environment.

Panzano in Chianti - small village with great wines

Since 2003 Michael Schmelzer has been the owner of the Monte Bernardi winery in Panzano in Chianti, which is located in the wonderful Chianti Classico wine region between Florence and Siena. If you drive along the SS 222 road, the Chiantigiana, which connects these two towns, you will pass next to Monte Bernardi. Michael is also known as "Mr. Sangiovese." Although he was born and grew up in the USA and studied oenology in Australia, the winegrower knows how to masterfully handle this autochthonous and at the same time most important grape variety in Italy. If Sangiovese is treated with care and sensitivity, it can produce wines of absolute top quality. And the numerous national and international awards for Monte Bernardi wines show that this is indeed the case.

In love with Sangiovese - leading variety of Chianti Classico

A family story has led Michael Schmelzer to Tuscany who actually has German-American roots. At the end a great love for the autochthonous grape variety Sangiovese was born. And this dedication is also clearly reflected in the Monte Bernardi range: in addition to the "door-opener" Retromarcia Chianti Classico, which is made from pure Sangiovese, two other Chianti Classico Riserva are produced here: the Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva from Sangiovese and Canaiolo and the Sa’etta Chianti Classico Riserva from 100 per cent Sangiovese. Tzingarella is the new offspring of Monte Bernardi`s wine family. It is a blend from international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot  and it is so to speak the little brother of the super tuscan Tzingana. And not to forget the strong rosé of Monte Bernardi which is a summer companion par excellence.