Tasting Notes: It’s not hyperbolic to say that without the Mastroberardino estate, this “3rd ‘Noble’ Red wine of Italy” made from the Aglianico grape,might have been lost to time. They reinvigorated the appellation in the 1960’s, crafting some of the greatest expressions of the Aglianico grape ever made. This Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici is a classic in the making, filled with dark, brambly fruit wrapped in an elegant package with hints of fresh-tilled soil, wild herbs, and an alluring, silky richness.
Estate History: The Mastroberardino family, leaders in Italian viticulture, are largely responsible for the revival and elevation of Irpinian and Campanian winemaking post WWII. Their efforts ignited a resurgence in quality red and white wine production in all of Southern Italy. Working primarily with Campania's ancient, native varietals, Fiano, Greco, and Aglianico, Mastroberardino has resuscitated would-be extinct grapes into world class varieties.
The Mastroberardino family has been farming grapes and producing wine since the mid-18th century, dating back 10 generations. The family settled in the town of Atripalda in 1878, in the district of Irpinia, at a time when the royal House of Bourbon still occupied the land. It was 9th generation, Antonio Mastroberardino, who brought the winery international recognition, but his career was initially mired in hardship. Returning home after WWII, Antonio found his family's estate in ruins; the result of war, economic depression, phylloxera, and neglect. Determined to rebuild and grow his family's business, he began a comprehensive restoration project at the estate and vineyards. He spent the next few decades purchasing the best vineyards in Irpinia and greater Campania, where he dedicated plantings to three nearly extinct ancient Campanian grape varietals: Fiano, Greco and Aglianico. While many other Italian winemakers chose to cultivate international grapes at the time, Antonio wanted to preserve Campania's winemaking tradition and resuscitate its indigenous grapes, a decision that has shaped all Campanian wine production since.
