Michael Schmelzer is the incredible winemaker behind the Monte Bernardi wines of Chianti. This cuve of Gioventu comes from a vineyard above the village of Panzano in Chianti. The vineyard is in conversion from practicing organic to being certified. It sits above Panzano at 400 to 550 metres. Not quite as straightforward as the red cherry and plum nose first suggests, this eventually reveals black pepper, clove and anise. While mid-weight, the fruit is quite dense and hemmed in by sticky, clayey tannins, but levity returns with brisk acidity. Really made for food. Aged in a combination of cement and used oak barrels.