Monte Bernardi Tzingana Toscana Rosso IGT

Tzingana Toscana Rosso IGT from Monte Bernardi

Tzingana: the super tuscan with international flair

The former owner of Monte Bernardi Stak Aivaliotis has given the super tuscan the name Tzingana, which means gypsy. He wanted to express that the international grape varieties used for this red wine - Merlot (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot (15%) - which originally come from France, travel around the world like gypsies. In other words, these international grape varieties can be found today in almost every wine-growing region in the world. The unique character of Tzingana Toscana Rosso IGT is not least due to the careful manual harvest, the joint vinification of all four grape varieties and last but not least the terroir of Panzano in Chianti. After natural alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, where it undergoes biological acid degradation. The wine remains in oak barrels for at least 24 months, after which it matures for another 12 months in the bottle. This full-bodied wine is marked by complex and soft fruit components. Its tannins, its acidity and the intense fruity cherry note are unmistakably Tuscan. But also the typical Bordeaux aromas of fresh black currants, blueberries and pleasant mineral undertones can be found. You can store this wine with a clear conscience for 20 years - or you can drink it right away, which also promises the highest drinking pleasure, by the way even in the large bottle format with 1.5 liters. Tzingana is the proof that the current owner of Monte Bernardi, Michael Schmelzer, understands not only Sangiovese, but also "very international" varieties, just like himself.

Panzano in Chianti: the insider tip for wine lovers

The German-American Michael Schmelzer, the owner of Monte Bernardi in Panzano in Chianti, first studied oenology and viticulture in Australia. But as he often says, he actually learned there how not to make wine. Here at Monte Bernardi in the world-famous wine region of Chianti Classico - halfway between Florence and Siena - the winegrower is today deeply convinced of his commitment to biodynamic viticulture according to Rudolf Steiner’s principles. After dedicating himself entirely to the Sangiovese grape and to the revival of ancient techniques and processing traditions, Michael is often namend in Panzano "Mr. Sangiovese" because he is a master in dealing with this autochthonous leading Italian variety. The aim is to produce red wines of the ultimate quality paired with the most deep expression of the wine region. And he succeeds perfectly in that, as the fans of his wines and the many national and international awards show.

Winery Monte Bernardi: tradition from Tuscany meets internationality

Monte Bernardi offers two wine styles for wine lovers: on the one hand, the traditional red wines of the Chianti Classico appellation, made from the indigenous Sangiovese and Canaiolo grape varieties - as the "door opener" Chianti Classico Retromarcia, then of course the Chianti Classico Riserva, as well as the Chianti Classico Riserva Sa’etta. In addition, Michael Schmelzer produces red wines from international grape varieties that never lose their regional character: for example, the super tuscan Tzingana and its "little brother", the Tzingarella, both made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. The rosé presents itself not so red, but in a strong flamingo pink. The olive oil pressed at Monte Bernardi is also typical for Tuscany.

Perfect locations, perfect climate, perfect wines!

The vineyards of Monte Bernardi in the hills south of Panzano belong to the "grand crus" of Chianti Classico in Tuscany. The wines of Michael Schmelzer are some of the best in the world and their grapes ripen on 15 hectares of vineyards. The vines grow on stony soils: either slate (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) or limestone (Alberese). Another advantage is the perfect southern orientation of the Monte Bernardi vineyards at an altitude of 300 to 400 metres above sea level. The forests all arounfd and the nearby Pesa river create a perfect microclimate that allows the vines to sprout and bear fruit. The result are the unique wines of Monte Bernardi! And not to forget the excellent Olio Extra Vergine. That is pure Tuscany…