Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Retromarcia 2022

If you're throwing your car into 'retromarcia', you're putting it into reverse, though for Schmelzer the meaning runs a little deeper, signifying 'a return to the natural elegance and charm of Sangiovese.' A deceptively serious bottle for something that seems to disappear so quickly from the glass, the Retromarcia comprises entirely of Sangiovese from Monte Bernardi's younger parcels planted to Galestro and sandstone. A nose of tight red fruits, stems and leaves, fragrant warm spices, and a hint of freshly cracked coconut lead into plummy red and black stone fruits that vibrate on a backbone of sangio's trademark, mouth-puckering acidity. A store favorite year after year.