Nittardi Ad Astra (75cl, 14.5%)

Nittardi Ad Astra is a Super Tuscan red blend from Maremma Toscana, Tuscany, made by Fattoria Nittardi. The blend is 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, from grapes grown at the Mongibello delle Mandorlaie estate at 250 metres elevation, eight kilometres from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by twelve months in French oak barriques and tonneaux, time in concrete vessels and further bottle ageing. The nose shows blackberries, blue fruit, blackcurrants, violets and dried sage, with Christmas spices, vanilla and graphite. The palate brings plum, Morello cherry, cocoa, mocha, liquorice, pepper and tobacco leaf, with fine-grained tannins and a medium-long finish of walnut skin, dark chocolate and soft floral notes.