The term Super Tuscan was conceived in the 1980s as a way to characterize red wines produced in Tuscany that didn’t conform to traditional (DOCG) standards. Back then Super Tuscans were still relatively affordable. Nowadays though top bottlings such as Ornellaia, Sassicaia, and Tignanello are some of the most coveted in all of Italy and they command a high price tag. But to me the true Super Tuscans are wines that still supersede their more conformist relatives, delivering incredible depth of flavor and incredible value. Nittardi’s Maremma Toscanas do just that.  

Nittardi Ad Astra 2017 – sale $19.99  (US best price online!)

92-93 pts James Suckling

As much as I enjoyed tasting Nittardi’s more traditional Chianti Classico bottlings this Ad Astra stood head and shoulders above them, an altogether deeper, broader, and more complex wine. In fact of the 20+ Italian reds I recently tasted from all over the Italy with my importer Nittardi’s two Maremma bottlings were my hands down favorites. This Ad Astra comes from Nittardi’s striking Mongibello delle Mandorlaie estate in Maremma, with perfectly situated certified organic vineyards planted at 250 meters in elevation and just 8 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea. A blend of Sangiovese 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 5%, “secret varietals” 5% , fermented in stainless steel then aged for twelve months in French oak barrique and tonneaux. A deep broody nose sets you off, dark plums and forest berries mix intriguingly with notes of anise, tobacco, and exotic spices. A medium to full bodied palate follows that’s full of more dark fruits, with a firm structure, sturdy tannins, and a long spiced finish that keeps you coming back for more. Delicious with rich pasta dishes, grilled red meats, mushroom ragouts, yet balanced and beautiful by itself. It’s a real stunner that’s regarded highly in Italy as well. Nittardi’s Ad Astra has received Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri (its highest rating) several times, not bad for a bottle that costs less than $20!

“There’s a tension and focus to this blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot. Medium to full body with firm and lightly chewy tannins.” – JS


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Saturday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.