2020 Nittardi ‘Nectar Dei’ DOC Maremma Super Tuscan

• 97 Point Ultra-Luxe Super Tuscan
• "A Plush, Succulent Wine" ~95 Vinous Media
• 100pt Winemaker Carlo Ferrini Consulting
• Estate Was Michaelangelo’s Home
  
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About the Wine

This wine is made by one of Italy’s most celebrated winemakers. The Canali Femfert family, who took over the historical Nittardi property in 1981, brought on consultant winemaker Carlo Ferrini in the early 90s. Ferrini earned the title Enologist of the Year by both the Associazione Italiana Sommelier in 2003 and Gambero Rosso in 2000. In 2008, Wine Enthusiast proclaimed him Winemaker of the Year. Ferrini supervises all the vineyards and winemaking at Nittardi.

In the introductory speech given before presenting Ferrini with his Wine Enthusiast award, it was noted that although he works with many of Italy’s most renowned estates such as Mazzei's Fonterutoli, San Leonardo, Brancaia, Brolio, and Poliziano—he never loses sight of “the individual characteristics of a specific region, a specific territory, or a specific vineyard.” 

A little history about the estate that we’d be remiss if we didn’t pass on: Michaelangelo owned it and lived there while finishing the Sistine Chapel. He sent wine from the estate yearly to the Pope. Because of the property's connection to the Renaissance artist, Nattardi pays homage to Michelangelo by having internationally recognized artists such as Hundertwasser, Yoko Ono, Günter Grass, and Dario Fo create the label and wrapping paper for this wine. 2019’s artist is Fabrizio Plessi, a contemporary artist who has exhibited all over the world.

A truly unique Super Tuscan that brings together the best of Bordeaux and Tuscan varietals.

Originally called "Nectar Dei" (the "nectar of the gods"), this name hints at the historical allure behind it. Once owned by none other than Michelangelo himself, the first bottles of Nectar Dei have always been sent to the Pope, solidifying its place among the world's elite wines.

Nittardi's Nectar Dei is a blend of art, history, and organic mastery. Grown in the Mongibello delle Mandorlaie vineyards in Maremma in Castellina in Chianti Classico region, just 8 km from the sea, this wine thrives in a unique terroir. Sand, granite, schist stones, and volcanic soil give the grapes an unmatched complexity. And with the vineyards certified organic, each bottle showcases the very best of nature.

Aging: Aged for 24 months in French oak barriques (30% new), followed by 4 months in concrete vats, and another 12 months in the bottle,

Tasting Notes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Deep red with hues of purple, aromas of ripe black fruit, vanilla, tobacco and hints of spices as pink pepper; concentrated and complex flavors on the palate with a full and persistent finish. Excellently suited to all variations of red meat and game.

Critical Reviews

~97 Luca Maroni, Yearbook of " The Best Italian Wines" Luca Maroni. 

Deep and complex on the nose with spiced plums and ripe blackberries as well as hints of sweet licorice, aged tangerine peel, chocolate and dark earth. Some tarry undertones, too. Full and opulent with very fine, silky tannins that have a firm grip over the palate, framing the intense and succulent fruit. Lingering finish. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025. ~94 James Suckling.  

The 2020 Nectar Dei is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah from vineyards in Maremma. A plush, succulent wine, the 2020 races across the palate with copious dark fruit, mocha, leather, licorice, spice and espresso. Nectar Dei is not especially subtle, but I am not sure that matters. ~94 Points, Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media

Powerful and decidedly dark in spirit, this Super Tuscan has the makings of a champion. Notes of black plums, blackberries, black cherries, cloves and nutmeg describe the main sensory profile. Juniper berries and dark chocolate the secondary one. Full body, perfectly ripe tannins and a warm, spicy finish of a sunny, Mediterranean nature. Drink now. ~94 WinesCritic.com

Bright crimson in colour with a bright rim. On the nose, aromas of blackberry, plum, leather, and sweet tobacco. The palate is punchy and persistent, with great structure and pronounced, still young tannins, and a somewhat bitter finish.~93 Falstaff

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