Tasting Note

A cracker of a wine, but much more gentle, elegant and fine than a lot of Chianti Riservas. This has cherry stone, red apple and raspberry freshness, before the weightier aromatic herbs and spices kick in with cocoa and tobacco. A lovely wine.

Producer

The Monte Bernardi estate covers 53 hectares, 15 of which are under vine. 4.8 of these hectares are held on a long lease, which was taken out in 2011. The vineyards are situated in the hilly, southern-most region of Panzano, an area long acknowledged as one of the Grand Crus of Chianti Classico. Michael Schmelzer and his family bought the estate in 2003, and have invested heavily in it ever since. The vines are planted on a soil of a high rock content mixture which, depending on the vineyard, consists of shale (Galestro), sandstone (Arenaria) and limestone (Alberese). The vineyards are perfectly situated at an altitude of 350 metres above sea level, surrounded by forests and enjoying a southern exposure, with the river Pesa flowing just a few hundred metres to the south. The estate has been certified organic and biodynamic since 2004. Grass and cover crops are grown in alternate rows: composted cow manure and biodynamic preparations are used. Harvesting is by hand, usually from late September until mid-October. Annual production is between 55,000 and 65,000 bottles. None of the wines are filtered. The wines are pure and elegant, with bright fruit and great length. 

_{Country: Italy | Region: Tuscany | Alcohol: 13.5% | Grapes: Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero | Vegetarian | Vegan | Biodynamic | Organic}