The estate name, Monte Bernardi, dates back to 1085. The majority of the vineyards are over 40 years old, with the first wine produced in 1992. Previously the grapes were sold to neighboring farms. The Schmelzer family purchased Monte Bernardi in 2003 and has since invested great amounts of time, love and money in the vineyards, the winery and villa. Today the vineyards are farmed biodynamically and the wines show an incredible precision and purity of fruit. This is juicy Chianti, as at home with a pastaas it is wine a slight chill with charcuterie.

“Retromarcia is a Chianti Classico made from 100% Sangiovese grapes (since 2010). The grapes come from vineyards consisting of shale (Galestro) 70%, sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) 20%, limestone (Alberese) 10%. The vineyards age range from plantings 2003-2010. The vinification and maturation is reminiscent of a more traditional style Chianti Classico; the result is a fresh and fruity, medium-bodied, well-balanced wine, with a nice structure, juicy acidity and a long finish.

The Italian word Retromarcia means more to us than its literal translation to back up or to reverse, it has been our aim to produce intensely typical and expressive wines from Tuscanys historic zone Chianti Classico, using only traditional grapes. With the name Retromarcia, we are emphasizing a return to the natural elegance and charm of Sangiovese.”