Nittardi Ad Astra Maremma Toscana 2015 | Super Tuscan Value! 94 Points – $25
So the name of the wine, Ad Astra, is a shortened version of the Latin phrase ad astra per aspera, or “a rough road leads to the stars. While this beautiful Nittardi Ad Astra Maremma Toscana 2015 is as easy and pure as it gets. Capable of aging another five years, it’s thoroughly delicious already. And an affordable, transporting evocation of one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Nittardi Ad Astra Maremma Toscana 2015 presents a medium ruby color flecked with garnet. Vibrant aromatics of fresh Morello cherries, raspberries, violets, dried sage, claro tobacco, and pepper lead to a focused, medium-bodied palate with a firm edge to the tannins. Bright acidity showcases lively cherry, dried herb, and sanguine notes. Overall this is vivacious and refreshing, a great value for classic Italian wine aficionados. Drink now – 2024.
More wonderful Red Gems under $35
JS94 | Fascinating spice and chili character with the blackcurrant fruit. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Made from Sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and Syrah. Drink Nittardi Ad Astra Maremma Toscana 2015 or hold.
A Find | Thoroughly Delicious
This was one of those wines that we knew we had to have as soon as we tasted it. In fact, we first came across it at a large trade tasting in San Francisco—not exactly the best place for any wine to stand out in a sea of reds and whites. But this one had everything going for it—history, pedigree, price—and as soon as word got out among our team, we all made sure to get a glass and discuss.
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The more we looked into it, the better it got. The Nittardi property itself has roots that date back to 1183 when the wine produced there was referred to as Nectar Dei, or nectar of the gods. In the 1600s, Michelangelo—yes that Michelangelo—owned the estate, and even crafted wine there, ostensibly between painting the Sistine Chapel and carving the David.
Winemaker Carlo Ferrini
Carlo Ferrini has been part of the Nittardi Team since 1991. From the day that he left the Chianti Classico Consorzio, he has supervised the vineyards and winemaking at Nittardi. In 2008, the American publication Wine Enthusiast proclaimed him “Winemaker of the Year”. In 2003, the Associazione Italiana Sommelier declared him “Enologist of the Year”, a title that had already been bestowed upon him three years earlier by Gambero Rosso. Today, Carlo Ferrini, Tuscan by culture and Bordelaise by passion, works with renowned estates all over Italy.
