Monte Bernardi Rosé Toscana IGT

Rosé IGT from Monte Bernardi

The Rosé: a generously fruity summer and food accompaniment

Monte Bernardi’s Rosé is one of the most special wines of its kind: the combination of Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes (90% red) and Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes (10% white) is a distant reminder of the "old" composition of Chianti Classico. The grapes from the vines come from cooler locations, which brings even more aromatic fruits. And also the approach to the production reminds more of the production of red wine than of rosé. After the must has been in contact with the skin for 12 to 24 hours ( in order to obtain more colour and tannins than in the usual Tuscan rose wines) the juice is naturally fermented and then undergoes biological acid decomposition in oak barrels. The wine remains in the barrel for 8 to 10 months, followed by at least six months in the bottle. The result is a full-bodied rosé, characterised by its soft fruitiness, elegant structure and lively acidity. The colour is reminiscent of a strongly coloured flamingo with violet reflections. Well chilled, but not cold, the Rosé from Monte Bernardi is an ideal summer and food companion.

Monte Bernardi: a lovely peace of Tuscany and Chianti Classico

On the way through the oldest wine-growing region in the world Chianti Classico which lies between Florence and Siena in the middle of Tuscany, you will for sure pass by the Monte Bernardi winery of the Schmelzer family in Panzano. One find great names from the wine world here in and around Panzano in Chianti. The Monte Bernardi winery is located at the southern side of Panzano. Michael Schmelzer, who was born in the USA and learned the craft of viticulture in Australia, is considered by some to be the uncrowned "King of Sangiovese" and his "palace" is the cellar. In 2004 he took over the management of Monte Bernardi. Since then the vines, some of which are over 50 years old, have been cultivated according to Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic principles.

Autochthonous and international grape varieties for the perfect wines

In addition to the native grape varieties of Tuscany, Sangiovese and Canaiolo, Monte Bernardi also offers the international varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Michael Schmelzer uses the international varieties for the Tzingana - a super tuscan - and for his "little brother", the Tzingarella. The autochthonous grape varieties are used for the production of Chianti Classico Retromarcia and for the two Chianti Classico Riserva, Monte Bernardi and Sa’etta. Michael also presses his rosé from Sangiovese and Canaiolo and from the local white wines Malvasia and Trebbiano. The result is two different wine styles, but they have one thing in common: they unmistakably reflect of the terroir of Panzano.

Panzano in Chianti: home of good wine taste

A total of 53 hectares of vineyards and hills belong to the Monte Bernardi winery. The vines, some of which are more than 50 years old, thrive on around 15 hectares of cultivated land. At an altitude of 400 to 500 metres above sea level, the vines of Michael Schmelzer, owner of the Monte Bernardi winery, grow on south-facing slopes. Next to it there are many green forests and the Pesa river splashes nearby. These factors create an ideal microclimate for viticulture. Another success factor for perfect growth is the soil which consists of slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese), depending on the location - and the vines like that. Not for nothing are these hills south of Panzano in Chianti called the "grand cru" of Chianti Classico.