2022 Monte Bernardi 'Retromarcia' Chianti Classico

Region: Panzano in Chianti < Tuscany < Italy

Grapes: Sangiovese

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic farming; shale (Galestro), limestone (Alberese) and sandstone soils; vinification and maturation in large old oak casks; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal So2; 12% ABV

Winemaker: Michael Schmelzer

• Biodynamic old-school, traditional Chianti Classico 
• Retromarcia means “to reverse gear” in Italian -->> an ode to returning to the elegance of pure Sangiovese 
• Bright, pretty, balanced Chianti that we actually want to drink!
• Sour cherry, orange peel and mountain herbs on the nose, then zingy red plum, wild cherry and fennel 
• Medium-bodied, fine tannins, juicy fruit, structure but not too much -- a very flexible food wine

In 2003, American Michael Schmelzer moved to Italy with his family and purchased 10ha of organic vineyards, right in the heart of Chianti Classico. When he planted in 2005 and began farming biodynamically, he didn't know how difficult it would be.  But he did know that conventional vineyards tend to spray when it rains, to help prevent the grapes from rotting, and that these chemicals just wash off of the vines and into the soil -- and that he wasn't going down that path. So he focused on building strength from the roots– from the base up, basically –then he would have healthy vines that would be more resistant to mold and pests.  Bingo. He was right, and his robust vines, now 15 years in, have maintained equilibrium through the ups and downs of each vintage and its unique weather and other cards dealt by Mother Nature.  We had the pleasure of visiting Monte Bernardi a few years back.