Monte Bernardi
Panzano in Chianti
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![Monte Bernardi Sangiò Chianti Classico DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi Sangiò Chianti Classico DOCG
The Monte Bernardi Sangiò is a full-bodied Chianti Classico with warm, spicy aromas of ripe dark fruits. It's like a “good friend,” perfect for relaxed gatherings without needing to be too deep.
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![Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico DOCG
The Retromarcia is an elegant Chianti Classico with fresh, crisp aromas of cherries, plums, citrus fruits, and a peppery spice. It has a harmonious acidity paired with a strong backbone, making it balanced and structured. This wine definitely has a forward-moving character!
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![Monte Bernardi MB 1933 Chianti Classico DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi MB 1933 Chianti Classico DOCG
MB 1933 is a rustic, noble Chianti Classico that reminds you of old-school field blend wines. With aromas of light berries, cherries, pepper, cloves, and juniper, it really shows off a unique character. It's a traditional Chianti Classico at its very best.
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![Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
This Chianti Classico Riserva has deep, complex aromas. It's super elegant, soft, and smooth, more subtle than flashy – kind of like a confident but reserved Parisian lady whose charm really shines through once you get to know her better.
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![Monte Bernardi Sa'etta Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG]()
Monte Bernardi Sa'etta Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Sa'etta is a dense, layered Chianti Classico Riserva from old vines. It's packed with intense aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries. Very elegant, with a lovely structure. It's both present and charming.
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![Monte Bernardi Tzingarella Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT]()
Monte Bernardi Tzingarella Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
The Tzingarella is a lively, fruity wine with aromas of berries, mango, papaya, and a spicy touch of cassis and bell pepper. It dances dynamically on your palate, like waves going up and down. It's perfect as a “party friend,” bringing fun and vibrancy to any gathering.
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![Monte Bernardi Tzingana Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT]()
Monte Bernardi Tzingana Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
The Tzingana is an opulent and elegant wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It really reflects the Panzano terroir and winemaker Michael Schmelzer's signature style – it's like the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles for Monte Bernardi.
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![Monte Bernardi Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva]()
Monte Bernardi Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva
It has an aromatic scent of grass, artichoke, fruits like bananas and apples, plus green tomatoes. You'll also get a delicate peppery spice with a touch of vanilla. The taste is robust, spicy, and lively. So typical!
Monte Bernardi
Monte Bernardi, a winery in Panzano in Chianti whose name was first mentioned way back in the eleventh century, is now a renowned estate right in the heart of Chianti Classico. The first wines were bottled in 1992, and then in 2003, the Schmelzer family took over the property, dedicating themselves to developing it further. In 2017, Sara and Henry Bedford joined Michael Schmelzer as co-owners, which helped the winery expand even more, leading to the acquisition of the famous Sala winery in Panzano. Michael Schmelzer, who studied oenology and viticulture in Australia, always says that what he mainly learned there was how *not* to make wine!
Biodynamic Viticulture
At Monte Bernardi, nestled beautifully between Florence and Siena, Michael Schmelzer practices biodynamic viticulture with deep conviction. His goal is to create top-quality red wines that also truly express the authentic character of their region. The biodynamics Michael uses is more than just a method – it's a cherished tradition, a kind of homeopathy for the vineyard, embodying a deep respect for all living things in our environment. This philosophy covers not just the vines, but also the complex, lively soils that are the foundation of winemaking. These ancient practices, passed down through generations in many parts of Europe, were gathered by Rudolf Steiner and brought together under the term "biodynamics."
Monte Bernardi Wines
The Schmelzer family took over the harvest at Monte Bernardi starting in 2004. Today, their range includes three Chianti Classico wines: “Retromarcia” from the vineyards right around the house, Sangiò from the Panzano Sala vineyard, and MB 1933 from a single vineyard. Two red wines represent the Chianti Classico Riserva classification. The Sa'etta comes from a single vineyard with vines over 50 years old, while the Monte Bernardi comes from the vineyards surrounding Monte Bernardi. With Tzingana – a Super Tuscan – and Tzingarella, Michael Schmelzer shows that even international grape varieties can express the unique terroir. And last but not least, Michael also makes a delicious, spicy olive oil!
The Soil
Monte Bernardi now spans over 70 hectares of land, including 22 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, some of which are over 50 years old. These vineyards sit on stony soil made up of slate (Galestro), calcareous sandstone (Pietraforte), or limestone (Alberese). The perfect south-facing slopes at an elevation of 300 to 400 meters, the surrounding forests, the closeness to the Pesa River, and the big temperature swings between day and night all create unique microclimates. These special conditions, combined with the famous vineyards south of Panzano, which are considered the “Grand Crus” of Chianti Classico, allow them to produce wines that can truly stand up to the best in the world.
For the Love of Sangiovese
When it comes to winemaking, Michael Schmelzer's top priorities are getting the highest quality grapes, hand-harvested at just the right time. Gently handling the grapes during fermentation in steel and cement tanks, and carefully choosing large or small, new or used wooden barrels for the wines' further aging, also play a big part in the quality. The wines are made without modern additives, technologies, fining, or filtration, and the vineyards have been farmed organically and biodynamically since 2004.
Top wines from Panzano
These pure red wines are born from a beautiful blend of deep respect for nature, careful handling of the grapes, and a tireless passion for winemaking. They really show off the full potential of the Sangiovese grape and the unique Panzano terroir in its purest form. Every single drop truly reflects the soul of Monte Bernardi and perfectly captures the essence of the Sangiovese grape. This is exactly what Michael Schmelzer is most passionate about: uncovering the true, pure nature of Sangiovese and letting its authentic character shine through in every wine. He works with so much passion and precision to make sure every wine tells the story and spirit of this amazing grape.
