“One of my favorite estates in Castellina thanks to the enormous attention on aesthetics practiced at this modern, art-loving property.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Operativo Italiano, this one is for you! 95 point Super Tuscan magic, under $40!! Not for the shy, this one’s BIG, rich, “thickly extracted” as the Wine Advocate review puts it. A real bruiser!

If you are “lost in the profoundness of Italian classicism” like we are, following one big hit after another of cherrypicked collectibles from “the land of the vine” we’ve been lining up lately, do not miss today’s offering, you will regret it.

Insert geeky tidbit here: before it was named Italy, the name of this land was Oenotria, for the grapevine thrived in every corner of the boot. It still does to date, while Tuscany remains its epicenter.

Anyhow, remember Carlo Ferrini from Giodo, San Leonardo, Romitorio, Petrolo, Ricasoli, Brancaia, and many other legends? Well, he’s back… with a glorious Cabernet blend for a steal!

But this ain’t your daddy’s Super Tuscan.

What if we told you that the venerable Renaissance Man Michelangelo, sculptor, painter, architect, and poet extraordinaire, was also the winemaker here once upon a time. Come again??!!

Jancis Robinson explains: “…owned in the 16th century by none other than the Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti, who produced his own wine on the estate. You can’t get a much better back story than that. The history goes even further back than that as it was documented as a defensive tower in the late 12th century. It was known at the time as Nectar Dei (nectar of the gods), the name of one of the wines from their second estate in the Maremma… the first bottles of Nectar Dei in every vintage are presented to the Pope, just as Michelangelo apparently presented his wine to the pontiff. Fascinating as all this may be, I am as fascinated by what I tasted…”

And so were we!

Alluring deep cherry red, opaque within, with a bright ruby robe caressing the glass. Dusty cocoa-coated chewy currant fruit enlaced with plum seeped in sweet baking spices define the nose. As sipped, it offers up a silky texture, accentuated by a plush yet hefty feel, and a caressing crème de cassis note. The finish is sneakily long and complex, leaving the mouth coated in luxurious tannins and sweet vanillin. Pairing it is easy, especially with handmade pasta, such as pappardelle, tossed in a cinghiale (wild boar) ragù, or black truffles and cream, all covered in snowy parmigiana of course.

So here’s Vatican’s “house wine” while it lasts!

95 Points – James Suckling

“A juicy and rich wine with lots of chocolate and blackberry character. Full body, round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows beautiful potential. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah.”

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The Nittardi 2016 Maremma ‘Nectar of the Gods’ Toscana Nectar Dei is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. This is a thickly extracted and rich red wine with black fruit, plum, spice, leather and sweet spice or toast. It is a medium to full-bodied red that can stand up to roast pork or grilled steak. Drink 2021-2028.”