Il Cipresso, Toscana Rosso 2022

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

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 cypress tree, emblematic of Tuscany, and thus perfectly appropriate for this “Super Tuscan lite”. Michael Schmelzer, ex-pat winemaker at the helm of Monte Bernardi in Chianti Classico, oversees production of this wine, imbuing it with his philosophy and approach. Grapes are grown organically, and make their way to the bottle with minimal intervention. Once in the glass, it’s all bright fruit expressive of the region.