Retromarcia means “to back up” or “to reverse” and is Michael Schmelzer’s reference to an old approach to Chianti that is hard to find today, focused on allowing the character of Sangiovese to show above everything else. Retromarcia is made from 100% Sangiovese composed of vines planted on a mix of galestro (blue shale),limestone and sandstone soils. The aroma is enticing, with wild red berries, stems and leaves and fragrant warm spices. On the palate, the wine is ripe, plummy, with both red and dark fruit leading to a nuance of cocoa and fresh mint into the finish. The tannins are fine and delicate, showcasing the elegance that many Classicos fail to attain. The acidity is mouthwatering, warming up the palate for a wide range of food including pastas, mushrooms and steak.