The name of Ad Astra is gleaned from the Latin phrase Per Aspera Ad Astra — “a rough road leads to the stars”. A phrase that is also true for great wines, as greatness requires a great deal of loving work and care in the vineyards. Ad Astra is an approachable yet simultaneously serious red wine that is also a pleasure when enjoyed young.
Viticulture
Ad Astra grows in our Maremma property called Mongibello delle Mandorlaie between Scansano and Magliano, 8 km away from the sea at an altitude of 250 meter. The soil is mostly sand with granite stones and clay underneath. All vineyards are certified organic.
The first half of the year was cooler than average, with a particular rainy May, creating a slight delay in the vines vegetation cycle compared to previous years. Summer and September were just perfect without too much heat or rain resulting in the grapes with perfectly ripe phenolics, something that very often nowadays is missing because of climate change. We picked our healthy and ripe grapes in the second half of September, starting with Merlot, followed by Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and finally the Cabernet Sauvignon. They were all brought with a temperature controlled truck to the cellar in Castellina in Chianti.
Vinification
14 months in new (10%) and used Barrique and Tonneaux barrels, a few months in concrete to blend the different varieties. 4 months in bottle.
Recommendation
Best served at approximately 18°C.