Style: Red Wine

Producer: Monte Bernardi

Grape: 100% Sangiovese 

Where: Chianti Classico, Tuscany

Country:  Italy

Taste: A deceptively serious bottle for something that seems to disappear so quickly from the glass, the Retromarcia comprises entirely of Sangiovese from Monte Bernardi's younger parcels planted to Galestro and sandstone. A nose of tight red fruits, stems and leaves, fragrant warm spices, and a hint of freshly cracked coconut lead into plummy red and black stone fruits that vibrate on a backbone of sangio's trademark, mouth-puckering acidity. Medium bodied red with earthy notes, red cherries, savory herbs with dry tannins.

Certified Organic, Biodynamically Farmed & Vegan

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Monte Bernardi is based in the Panzano subzone of Chianti Classico, an area regarded as one of the Grand Cru sites of the region. Winemaker Michael Schmelzer is deeply committed to biodynamic farming and a low-intervention approach to winemaking. The estate name, Monte Bernardi, dates back to 1085. The majority of the vineyards are over 40 years old, with the first wine produced in 1992. Previously the grapes were sold to neighboring farms. The Schmelzer family purchased Monte Bernardi in 2003 and has since invested great amounts of time, love and money in the vineyards, the winery and villa. The Monte Bernardi estate extends over 53 hectares (130 acres), of which 9.5 hectares (23.5 acres). The vineyards are situated in the hilly, southern-most region of Panzano, an area that has been acknowledged as one of the Grand Cru of Chianti Classico. 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 - standing at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, surrounded by forests and enjoying a southern exposure, with the river Pesa flowing just a few hundred meters to the south. These factors contribute to the unique micro-climate of Monte Bernardi.