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.

The “Fiasco” bottling is unique at present, though in the past, it was the standard bottling. But why call the style of bottle a “fiasco” anyway and why did these wicker basket fall out of style? Post World War II, the economy was prospering and wages of the skilled workers who made the baskets rose so that it was more expensive to make the basket and bottle than the actual wine inside. It also turns out Italians were worried about their wine coming off as simple county wine, so back to sleek bottles it went. As for the meaning, “fiasco” comes from the same origin as the English word “flask.” The term “fare fiasco” means to “make a bottle.” As for the English figurative meaning of fiasco (failing), it is unknown where this came from.