Monte Bernardi Sa'etta Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Chianti Classico Riserva Sa’etta DOCG from Monte Bernardi

Sa’etta: like a lightning from the blue wine sky…

Chianti Classico Riserva Sa’etta is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. Only those grapes from the vineyard called "Sa’etta" are used for this wine. Sa’etta means lightning and is a top location at the southern slope of the Conca d’Oro with perfect soils. The ground here consists of sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte), which is rich in glittering quartz inclusions that gently reflect the sunrays. After natural alcoholic fermentation in large oak barrels, the wine is decanted into a combination of German and Austrian oak, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. The wine then remains in oak barrels for at least 24 months, followed by 12 months in the bottle. And the result hits the drinker like a bolt of lightning from a cheerful wine sky: here you get a complex Sangiovese into the glass, which is elegant and balanced from the first sniff to the last sip. If you leave it more time this wine will develop an abundance of fruity components, a rich mineral backbone, a balanced acidity and persistent elegant tannins. The "Lighthning" easily tolerates 15 years of storage and more but it still promises the highest drinking pleasure right from the start. The Chianti Classico Riserva Sa’etta is certainly one of the shining jewels of the Chianti Classico.

Vino and Olio: products from Tuscany at the highest level

The vineyards of Monte Bernardi in the hills south of Panzano belong to the "grand crus" of Chianti Classico. This is where wines among the best in the world are producer. And even Monte Bernardi, with its 15 hectares of vineyards, should not avoid international comparison: he already won many national and international awards, top ratings in renowned wine guides and trade magazines. The assortment includes a strong rosé and a fruity, 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico with the name "Retromarcia", which means "reverse gear". As well as two riservas - the 100% Sangiovese Sa’etta, and the "normal" Riserva, which is anything but normal with its composition of Sangiovese and Canaiolo. On the other hand Michael Schmelzer’s professionalism and his perfect handling of international grape varieties results in the Tzingana, a super tuscan, and in the Tzingarella, a blend of the international grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. However, the special terroir is always expressed. And, last but not least, Michael produces a spicy olive oil.

Monte Bernardi: 100% biodynamic with 100% heart

In 2004, the Schmelzer family took over the Monte Bernardi Estate. Eversince the commitment has been expressed very clearly: all Monte Bernardi wines are made exclusively from grapes from vineyards that are cultivated biodynamically according to Rudolf Steiner’s principles. Michael also handles the vines gently during the vegetation phase. It counts on its own resistance to pest infestation or disease. He only helps if it is necessary. The handling of vinification and ripeness is also gentle. All this makes it clear: Michael Schmelzer loves Sangiovese, Chianti Classico and the unmistakability of the wines from Panzano. Every decision is made with the aim of producing even better wines that reflect the caracter of the region.

Winegrowing in Panzano: the best conditions for the best wines in the world

All these prerequisites lead to red wines, which impress with their purity and reflect the entire Chianti Classico. The vines grow on stony soil consisting of either slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese). The perfect south-facing slope at an altitude of 300 to 400 metres above sea level, the surrounding forests and the immediate proximity to the Pesa river - all these factors contribute to the unique microclimate of Monte Bernardi. And along with it, to the unique wines of Monte Bernardi!