Monte Bernardi "Retromarcia" Chianti Classico DOCG 2024

Retromarcia, meaning "reverse gear" in Italian is winemaker Michael Schmelcer’s calling card and homage to how Chianti traditionally used to taste, spotlighting Sangiovese’s natural elegance and expressiveness. Michael focuses solely on Sangiovese to give his Classico a lean frame with clean cherry fruit and little smoke and earth and freshness. 100% Estate grown and bottled, Retromarcia Chianti Classico is a deep, ruby red with hints of purple. Intense notes of mountain herbs, aromas of cranberry, wild cherry and red plums, anise, spice and orange peel. It’s a medium-bodied wine that blends fruit freshness with bright acidity and structure. Well balanced, with juicy acidity and a long finish. Framed by delicate tannins, there's lovely purity, precision and frisky acidity here.

Retromarcia is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes farmed biodynamically farming in Panzano, Chianti. A large proportion of the grapes come from vineyards composed of shale, limestone and Pietraforte and have an average age of 10 years. Vinification and maturation are reminiscent of a more traditional style of Chianti Classico. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and concrete containers, with skin maceration for up to 45 days, followed by natural malolactic fermentation and maturation in barriques, tonneaux and second- and third-year barrels.