Nittardi Ad Astra

Nittardi Ad Astra is a 14.5% ABV Super Tuscan red blend from Maremma Toscana in a standard 750ml bottle. Awarded Gambero Rosso's prestigious Tre Bicchieri — its highest distinction — and earning 94 points from James Suckling for the 2021 vintage, this wine has rapidly established itself as one of the Maremma's most compelling expressions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Maremma Toscana, Tuscany, Italy  |  Style: Super Tuscan Red Blend  |  Producer: Fattoria Nittardi

Production & Heritage

Fattoria Nittardi has deep roots in Tuscan winemaking, with the estate historically linked to the Chianti Classico appellation before expanding into the Maremma coastal region. Ad Astra is produced from grapes grown at the Mongibello delle Mandorlaie estate, situated at 250 meters elevation and just eight kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea — a maritime influence that shapes the wine's ripe, aromatic character. The blend is composed of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot. Fermentation takes place in 5- and 10.5-ton stainless steel tanks, followed by twelve months of aging in French oak barriques and tonneaux, a period in concrete vessels, and further bottle aging before release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with blackberries, blue fruit, and blackcurrants, layered beneath violets and dried sage. As the wine breathes, Christmas spices, vanilla, and a subtle graphite undertone emerge, lending complexity and depth.

Taste: The palate entry delivers ripe black and red berries — plum and Morello cherry are prominent — supported by a structured mid-palate of cocoa, mocha, and nuanced liquorice. Cabernet Franc contributes a peppery edge and tobacco leaf character, while the Sangiovese backbone provides bright acidity that keeps the fruit in check. The oak integration is seamless, adding baking spice without overwhelming the fruit core.

Finish: Medium-long and textured, with lingering notes of walnut skin, dark chocolate, and soft floral whispers. The tannins are fine-grained and resolved, leaving a clean, savoury impression that invites another sip.

How to Drink Ad Astra

Best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F) with 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to allow the aromatics to fully unfold. This wine is built for the table and rewards pairing with rich, savory dishes. A Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a natural match, where the wine's acidity cuts through the charred fat. Wild boar ragù over pappardelle mirrors the wine's earthy, spiced depth. Aged Pecorino Toscano draws out the wine's subtle herbal and nutty finish beautifully.

Best For

• Gifting an Italian wine enthusiast exploring beyond Chianti Classico
• Anchoring a Tuscan-themed dinner party with a serious red
• Celebrating a milestone with a Tre Bicchieri–awarded bottle
• Building a cellar collection of emerging Maremma Toscana benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ad Astra taste like? Ad Astra delivers ripe blackberry, plum, and cherry fruit layered with cocoa, liquorice, and subtle graphite, supported by fine tannins and bright Sangiovese-driven acidity. Floral notes of violet and dried sage add an aromatic lift throughout.

How does Ad Astra compare to Nittardi Nectar Dei? Nectar Dei is considered the estate's ultra-premium flagship — often described as Ad Astra's "older brother" — with a longer aging regimen and greater concentration. Ad Astra is the more approachable of the two, emphasizing freshness and aromatic complexity over sheer power.

Is Ad Astra good for cellaring? With structured tannins, firm acidity, and quality French oak aging, Ad Astra has demonstrated aging potential across multiple vintages. The 2018 and 2021 vintages, both scoring 94 points from James Suckling, suggest a drinking window of five to ten years from vintage for optimal development.

Where is Ad Astra made? Ad Astra is produced by Fattoria Nittardi at their Mongibello delle Mandorlaie vineyard in Maremma Toscana, on the southern Tuscan coast. The site sits at 250 meters elevation, roughly eight kilometers inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

What foods pair well with Ad Astra? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and peppery notes. Slow-braised short ribs echo its dark fruit and spice. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, savoury undertones. Hard aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino bring out the wine's nutty finish. Dark chocolate desserts mirror its cocoa and mocha character.

What sizes does Ad Astra come in? Ad Astra is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Ad Astra worth the price? Ad Astra positions as a premium Maremma Toscana red that punches above its weight class, evidenced by consistent 93–94 point scores from James Suckling and Luca Maroni, plus Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri distinction. For a multi-varietal Super Tuscan with this critical track record, it represents strong value within the broader Tuscan fine wine landscape.

Why Ad Astra?

The Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso places Ad Astra in the top tier of Italian wines evaluated each year — a distinction that carries real weight among collectors and sommeliers. Its coastal Maremma vineyard site, perched between mountain and sea, produces a character distinct from inland Tuscan reds: more aromatic, more generous in fruit, yet still anchored by Sangiovese's trademark tension. Consistent critical acclaim across multiple vintages — 94 points from both James Suckling and Luca Maroni — confirms this is not a single-vintage success but a reliable estate expression. For drinkers seeking a Super Tuscan that balances structure with immediate drinkability, Ad Astra delivers with uncommon precision.