Bertinga is an estate in Gaiole in Chianti, a central part of the Chianti Classico appellation. The property was founded in 2015 by Russian importers Anatoly Korneev and Maxim Kashirin, founders of Simple Group. The estate is set on approximately 50 hectares of land, of which around 17 hectares are dedicated to vineyards across three specific sites.
These parcels were historically a prized vineyard source for the renowned Castello di Ama estate. The vineyards are certified organic, and the high altitude, reaching up to 800 meters above sea level, is a critical factor in shaping the style of the wines. This high elevation helps the grapes retain acidity and complexity.
The estate is defined by its three separate vineyard sites, or crus:
Bertinga Vineyard
Located at 420 meters above sea level, the Bertinga vineyard is nine hectares divided into five parcels. Its compact, heavy soils, rich in limestone and clay, impart a robust structure and deep flavor to the Sangiovese and Merlot grapes grown here. This site is the source for the estate's flagship wine, the Bertinga Toscana IGT, a 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot.
Vertine Vineyard
Vertine is a 3 hectare site planted on a south facing slope at 500 meters. The local galestro and alberese soils, with their deep, fractured textures, provide an ideal environment for Sangiovese vines. These soils retain heat, promoting optimal ripening conditions and contributing to the refined, elegant character of the wines.
Adine Vineyard
The Adine vineyard is the highest, at 540 meters. The soil is clay limestone with a red brown color and contains a large amount of rock. This site produces the highly rated Sangiovese cru called Punta di Adine, known for its vitality and vibrant red fruit notes. The soil’s ability to retain heat, balanced by the cool night temperatures typical of this altitude, is important for achieving phenolic ripeness without overripe fruit flavors.
Organic Viticulture
Viticulture is certified organic. The work is done by hand, parcel by parcel. Vines are planted at 5,000 plants per hectare and are trained using the spurred cordon system. Cover crops grow between the rows to maintain soil health and biodiversity.
Winemaking: Guided by Stéphane Derenoncourt
Winemaking is guided by Stéphane Derenoncourt, a highly respected international winemaking consultant. With extensive experience across top vineyards in Bordeaux, California, and globally, he applies a meticulous approach focused on respecting the terroir of Gaiole in Chianti.
The winery operates a modern, partially underground cellar designed to blend into the Chianti hillsides. This facility maintains a consistent climate and incorporates advanced technology for precision winemaking. Grapes are harvested manually and meticulously sorted. Individual vineyard lots ferment separately in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks or concrete vats. The wines are then aged in large Austrian oak casks or smaller French oak barrels. The duration of barrel aging varies by wine, typically lasting 12 to 18 months.
A Wine defined by quality and patience
A primary principle of the winery’s philosophy is extended aging. The wines receive significant bottle ageing and stay at the winery for four to six years after harvest before they are released to the market. This patient approach ensures that the wines are fully developed and reflects the character of the Gaiole in Chianti region. The specific aging periods are tailored to each wine's profile to maximize quality and ageing potential.
This commitment to quality has earned Bertinga significant critical acclaim:
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Top 100 Wineries: Forbes Italia recognized Bertinga as one of Italy's Top 100 Iconic Wineries.
- High Scores: The Volta di Bertinga 2019 Merlot was named the #3 Top Wine of Italy and #27 Top Wine of the World by James Suckling in 2022, achieving 99 points. The Punta di Adine has also received high praise, with 94 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for the 2017 vintage.
