Nittardi | Ad Astra Recipe

Chill to serving temperature

If the bottle is stored at cellar temperature, place it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes or in an ice bucket with a 3:1 mix of ice and water for 10–15 minutes to reach approximately 14°C. Use a thermometer if precise temperature is required.

Open the bottle

Use the wine opener to remove the foil capsule cleanly and extract the cork slowly with a waiter's corkscrew. Wipe the bottle lip with a clean cloth or napkin to remove any cork particles or residue.

Decanting (optional)

Nittardi Ad Astra benefits from gentle aeration. If the wine is young (under 8–10 years) or you prefer softer tannins, pour the wine slowly into a decanter and let it breathe for 30–60 minutes. For older vintages, decant briefly to separate any sediment; pour steadily and stop when you see sediment approaching the bottle neck.

Pouring

Hold the glass by the stem and pour 4–6 oz (120–180 ml) per glass, filling to roughly one-third to one-half of the glass to allow room for aromas to develop.

Serve temperature note

Serve at about 14°C. If the wine warms up in the glass, place the bottle briefly in a chilled bucket between pours to maintain temperature.

Cheese pairing

Bring aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano to room temperature (remove from fridge 30–45 minutes before serving). Serve thin shards or small chunks alongside the wine to highlight savory and nutty flavors that complement the wine's structure.

Charcuterie & bread

Arrange sliced salami or prosciutto on a board and provide crusty bread or crostini. The fat and salt from the charcuterie will balance the wine's tannins and acidity.

Chocolate finish

Offer a small piece of dark chocolate (around 70% cacao) after the last pour to accentuate the wine's dark fruit and cocoa notes as a finishing complement.

Glass cleaning and resetting

Between different wines or after extended serving, rinse glasses with warm water and dry to remove any lingering flavors. Replace with fresh glasses if switching to a different style.

Using the waiter’s corkscrew

Center the corkscrew spiral on the cork, twist in until only one curl remains visible, then lever the cork out gently to avoid breakage. Wipe the bottle neck immediately after removing the cork.

Decanter care

If you used a decanter, rinse it with warm water after use and let it air dry upside down on a rack to avoid water spots. Avoid using soap which can leave residues affecting future wines.