MONTE BERNARDI · IN THE PRESS
I
From WALTER SPELLER’s daily archive :
THE 2006 VINTAGE IN CHIANTI CLASSICO			Sep 30th, 2007
FACE TO FACE WITH TERROIR			Sep 29th, 2007
VINO AL VINO			Sep 17th, 2007
BREWING UP FOR THE VINEYARD			Jun 17th, 2007
Wines of The Times, Eric Asimov, February 20, 2008 “Chianti Steps Out of Its Straw Skirt “ Down-loadable version			February 19, 2008 Wines of the Times: '04 and '05 Chianti Classicos
	2006	MONTE BERNARDI ROSÉ
	This is the first time that this Chiantigiana Estate, run by the skilled Schmelzer siblings, has been presented in this guide. This Rosé is a precious example of elegance and drinkability. Made from the traditional varieties of Chianti Classico: Sangiovese with the addition of Malvasia and Canaiolo and selected from the vineyards in the freshest and most shaded areas of the property. The result is a glass dressed in bright rose with fruit aromas of cherry and strawberry. Well balanced and supported by a refreshing acidity on the finish and pleasantness.
	Versione Italiana			Deutsche Version
04	2004	MONTE BERNARDI Chianti Classico
	… this is a wine of charm, ripe tannin and fine balance.				A Decanter Recommended Wine
	Attractively understated. Floral nose, cherry fruit. Intense, spicy and lively, with a silky texture and delicate finish. Drink now – 2014. From Stephen Brook’s article : “Meet the Purists / Classico! Tuscan Finest”
	Other Decanter Articles featuring Monte Bernardi: “En Primeur: could Chianti take over from the Médoc?”
	2005	TZINGANA			90 pts
	Leuchtendes, intensives Rubinviolett; sehr klare Nase mit ausgeprägt fruchtigen Noten, nach Cassis, etwas Zwetschken; am Gaumen sehr geschmeidig, mit feinkörnigem Tannin, süßer Kern, zeigt zur Konzentration auch schöne Eleganz, rund und ausgewogen.
Via Chiantigiana, 50020 Panzano in Chianti, Italy • Tel. +39 055 852 400 • mb@montebernardi.com Az. Agr. Montebernardi, Via San Leolino, 68, 50020 Panzano in Chianti (FI), Italia, C.F./P.IVA 05374220480 >> A4 Print version : MB PRESS REVIEWS << >> LETTER Print version : MB PRESS REVIEWS <<

MONTE BERNARDI · IN THE PRESS
04 04	2004	TZINGANA	92 pts
	Sattes, undurchdringliches Rubinviolett; dicht angelegte Nase mit intensiven Noten nach Lakritze und Teer, dahinter etwas Brombeere und Cassis; kompakt in Ansatz und Verlauf, zeigt sehr klar herausgearbeitete dunkelbeerige Frucht, griffiges, gut eingebundenes Tannin, die Säure gibt dem Wein Frische.
	2004	SA’ETTA Chianti Classico	89 pts
	Funkelndes, sattes Rubin; zunächst leicht verhangene Nase, dann viel charmante Kirschfrucht; sehr saftig in Ansatz und Verlauf, zeigt sich mit viel feinkörnigem Tannin, klar und lange anhaltend.
I
04 20050	2005	MONTE BERNARDI ROSÉ	16,5 / 20
2004	2004	MONTE BERNARDI CHIANTI CLASSICO	16,5 / 20
	2004	SA’ETTA Chianti Classico	18,0 / 20
	2004	TZINGANA	18,5 / 20
Complete results of tasting (in Italian) / I risultati della prova d’assaggio
Via Chiantigiana, 50020 Panzano in Chianti, Italy • Tel. +39 055 852 400 • mb@montebernardi.com Az. Agr. Montebernardi, Via San Leolino, 68, 50020 Panzano in Chianti (FI), Italia, C.F./P.IVA 05374220480 >> A4 Print version : MB PRESS REVIEWS << >> LETTER Print version : MB PRESS REVIEWS <<

MONTE BERNARDI · IN THE PRESS
Wineart (Japanese wine magazine)
I
Article featured in WINEART　N39,　JULY 2007 issue
04 Excerpt in ENGLISH	Excerpt in ENGLISH - Saggio in ITALIANO
04 04	2001	SA’ETTA	22.0 pts
			(25 pt scale; 21-22 - exceptionally fine)
	A superb IGT. A lively, fresh, elegant nose with vibrant red berried fruits, mocha and orange zest. Good definition, refined, The palate is well-balanced, fresh and crisp. Very natural and elegant. Great poise and breeding with a pure, clean finish. Superb wine. As quoted from “Tasting Notes: Tuscan IGT 2001s” Also from winejournal: Memorable Wines of 2005 – ITALY : Flaccianello 1999 - Tenuta Fontodi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1955 - Biondi Santi Percalo 2001 - San Giusto a Rentennano Sa'etta 2001 - Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico 2001 - Castello di Ama As quoted from “Wines of the Year 2005”
I
04	2001	SA’ETTA	17.5 pts (20 pt scale)
	Quite evolved nose. Quite a light colour. Light and lively and very gentle. Quite distinctive. Fresh and a good drink. As quoted from Jancis Robinson’s article “Fine Wines Among Tuscany’s 2001s”
Via Chiantigiana, 50020 Panzano in Chianti, Italy • Tel. +39 055 852 400 • mb@montebernardi.com Az. Agr. Montebernardi, Via San Leolino, 68, 50020 Panzano in Chianti (FI), Italia, C.F./P.IVA 05374220480 >> A4 Print version : MB PRESS REVIEWS << >> LETTER Print version : MB PRESS REVIEWS <<

MONTE BERNARDI · IN THE PRESS

Tuscany trip http://www.thewinedetective.co.uk

I met brother and sister Michael and Jennifer Schmelzer earlier this year at a couple of tastings. They invited me to visit them at Monte Bernardi, their well-situated estate in the "Conca d’Oro" (golden bowl) of Panzano – one of Chianti Classico’s hot spots.

Michael, the winemaker, made the 2003 vintage in conjunction with the previous owner, Stak Aivaliotis. Since 2004, the wines have been solely down to Michael, whose non-interventionist instincts are leading him to reign back on oak and pursue biodynamic techniques in the vineyard – all to good effect based on the fruit purity, freshness and mineral undertones of barrel samples of the 2004 vintage!

Here are some highlights of a Monte Bernardi vertical presented by Imperial Wines in Suffolk (www.imperialwine.co.uk) earlier this year together with tasting notes from my visit which coincided with the Panzano Wine Festival:

Chianti Classico Paris Monte Bernardi 2003 (Sangiovese, with a small % of Canaiolo) – primary, fruity, sappy nose with violets and kid glove notes, palate shows good tannic grip and depth of black cherry fruit, finishes clean and minerally – impressive.

Chianti Classico Paris Monte Bernardi 1998 – ruby, spicy black cherry/berry nose – very attractive and inviting; tightly knit palate with excellent concentration of black fruits, well-balanced tannin, fruit and acidity; long, fresh finish with sour cherry twist.