The Essence of Bertinga: Rocks, Wind, and Vines
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Gaiole in Chianti, Bertinga is heralded as one of the most prestigious new names in Tuscan fine wine. This region, renowned as the cradle of the Chianti Classico appellation and home to legendary Super Tuscans, provides the perfect backdrop for Bertinga's vineyards. Here, amidst a mosaic of the finest cru vineyards—Bertinga, Adine, and Vertine—an extraordinary story of organic viticulture and diverse soils unfolds.
Bertinga is more than just a vineyard; it's 17 hectares of a harmonious blend of nature's raw elements and human dedication. The estate, perched at an impressive 540 meters above sea level, oversees three distinct vineyards and two grape varieties within one exceptional terroir.
Bertinga Vineyard
The Bertinga vineyard, situated above a deep valley at 420 meters, spans 9 hectares across five parcels. Its compact, heavy soils, rich in limestone and clay, impart a distinctive character to the Sangiovese and Merlot grapes grown here. These soils are integral to the vineyard's identity, shaping the flavor profile of the wines produced.
Vertine Vineyard
Overlooked by a historic castle, the Vertine vineyard's 3 hectares fan out on a south-facing slope at 500 meters. The local galestro and alberese soils, with their deep, fractured textures, provide a perfect environment for Sangiovese vines. These soils retain heat, promoting optimal ripening conditions and contributing to the vineyard's unique terroir.
Adine Vineyard
The Adine vineyard, with its seabed-origin clay-limestone soils, is a treasure trove for Sangiovese. The reddish-brown soils, interspersed with abundant rock and light, loose clay, attract and hold heat, fostering a perfect terroir. This vineyard sits at 540 meters, where the Sangiovese cru Punta di Adine is born.
Organic Viticulture
Bertinga's commitment to organic viticulture is the backbone of its winemaking philosophy. Each parcel of the vineyards is meticulously tended throughout the year, ensuring perfectly healthy grapes. The vines are planted at a density of about 5,000 per hectare and trained using the spurred cordon system. Cover cropping between the vine aisles enhances soil fertility, with a mix of plants offering vibrant spring blossoms and aiding pollination.
Winemaking: Guided by Stéphane Derenoncourt
At the heart of Bertinga’s winemaking process is Stéphane Derenoncourt, the esteemed winemaker consultant. With a vast experience across prestigious vineyards in Bordeaux, California and beyond, Derenoncourt brings a wealth expertise to Bertinga. His philosophy centers around respect for the terroir and a meticulous approach to viticulture and vinification, ensuring that each bottle of Bertinga wine is a true reflection of its origins.
The partially-underground winecellar at Bertinga, designed to blend seamlessly into the Chianti landscape, maintains a consistent climate and boasts advanced technology. During harvest, grapes are handpicked and sorted with care. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks or concrete vats, with each vineyard lot treated individually. Maturation takes place in large Austrian oak casks or smaller French oak barrels for 18 months, followed by an extended bottle refinement period.
Only after more than four years from harvest are they ready to embark on their global journey. These fine wines, marked by their longevity, elegance, and structure, embody the essence of Gaiole in Chianti, one of Italy's greatest terroirs.
Experience Bertinga
As you savor a glass of Bertinga wine, you are not just tasting a drink but experiencing a story of dedication, tradition, and the beauty of Tuscany.