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Nittardi, Ad Astra, DOC Maremma, Italy 2019

£21.00

|

75cl

|

14%

From a boutique winery on a historic estate in the heart of Chianti Classico region, this ‘Super Tuscan’ is a serious, yet very approachable red wine. Fascinating spice and chili character with blackcurrant and cherry fruit on the nose. Medium to full body, soft and round tannins combined with a silky and elegant finish.

3 in stock

Red
Italy
Maremma, Tuscany
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Medium-bodied
Now to 2026
Cork
Bistecca alla Fiorentina

On the boundary between the provinces of Siena and Florence, the Nittardi estate has an illustrious history dating back to the middle ages. It was originally a defensive tower known as early as 1183 by the name of “Nectar Dei” (The Nectar of the God). In the 16th century, it was owned by the artist Michelangelo who produced his own wine here. While finishing the Sistine Chapel, he sent this wine to Rome as a “genuine gift to the Pope Paolo III”. Today, in honour of that tradition, every year the first bottles of Nectar Dei, the top wine from the Maremma vineyards, are presented to the Pope.

In 1981, the property was taken over by the Frankfurt publisher and art gallerist Peter Femfert and his wife Stefania Canali, a historian from Venice. They restored the estate, replanting the vineyards and installing a modern cellar; now their son Léon Femfert is at the helm.

This ‘Super Tuscan’ wine comes from a splendid piece of land in Maremma, close to the coast in southern Tuscany, acquired in 1999, which is planted with local and international grape varietals, all farmed organically. Ad Astra comes from the Latin phrase Per Aspera Ad Astra — “a rough road leads to the stars” – which is also the motto of the RAF.

nittardi.com

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

“Mid ruby and not as densely coloured as I expected given the varietal composition. Pretty aroma that shows all the varieties in the blend: the more savoury and spicy Sangiovese as well as the pure black fruit and delicate leafiness of the Cabernets. That inviting scent seems more Cab Franc than anything else. This has become such a fine-boned and elegant wine, nothing forced or heavily extracted. A light touch that brings finesse and freshness. The oak seems to have smoothed the tannins but not emasculated them. Structured and still refined. You could just about drink this without food but better with, I think.” 16.5 points
jancisrobinson.com