Variety: Sangiovese

Even though the estate Monte Bernardi dates back to 1085 in the region of Panzano in Tuscany, Michael Schmelzer and family purchased the estate in 2003 and have been making beautiful Sangiovese-based wines and olive oil ever since. The property’s vineyards are situated in the hilly, southern-most region of Panzano, an area that has been acknowledged as one of the “Grand Crus” of Chianti Classico. Most of the vineyards are more than 40 years old. Before 1992, the grapes were sold to neighboring farms. The Schmelzer family, originally from Michigan, purchased Monte Bernardi in 2003. As winemaker, Michael has invested time, love and money in the vineyards, the winery and villa. The property was certified biodynamic in 2004.

Sa’etta is an estate vineyard located in Panzano from which only the best grapes are selected for this Riserva. This purely Sangiovese is naturally fermented in large oak casks, then goes on to age in Austrian and German oak for 24 months, then finishes ageing in the bottle for one more year before release. This is everything we desire in well-made Chianti: pure fruit character, acidity, a mineral backbone, finessed tannins.