2021 Ad Astra
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Tasting notes
The organic Nittardi 2021 Maremma Toscana Ad Astra is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc aged in barrique and tonneaux (with only 10% new oak) for 12 months, followed by some down time to integrate in cement casks. You get good value here, especially if you prefer a concentrated, full-bodied style. There is plenty of dried fruit and syrupy cassis that borders on Amarone-like intensity. This is a 50,000-bottle release.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,241 g. Sangiovese 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 5%, secret varieties 5%, mostly on sand rich with pebbles and clay. Fermentation in 5- and 10.5-ton stainless-steel tanks, followed by twelve months of ageing in French oak barrique and tonneaux, a few months in concrete and subsequent bottle ageing for 6 months. Certified organic (IT-BIO-004). Black core and very dark to the rim. Intense aroma of black fruit, with a touch of cassis and cedar but the Cabernet does not dominate. Savoury and deliciously yet darkly fragrant for a concentrated wine. Firm, chocolate-textured tannins, deep and thick and yet fresh on the finish, with the oak quite obvious on the palate at the moment. Chewy now but likely to age well because the framework is just that, and the fruit fills the core. It may not be my favourite style but it's a very good wine and has outgrown its place as Nectar Dei's younger sibling. (JH)
The 2021 Ad Astra, from vines in Maremma, is packed with super-ripe dark fruit, mocha, chocolate, licorice, leather, tobacco, incense and lavender. There's plenty of Maremma richness and resonance in this plush, extroverted red.