Deep ruby red to the eyes. Rich, ripe and intense on the nose, with notes of black berries and spices. Nice and fascinating complexity, with the fruit that keeps hiding and showing up discretely. In the mouth elegant, but less filling than you could expect. Earthy, mineral sensations dominate. Firm yet rounded tannins and nice acidity. The aftertaste gets a bit cut off. A wine more enjoyable when paired with food (in my case fondue chinoise) than on its own.
A few more year of ageing would probably be beneficial, as ageing typically has a favourable impact on Aglianico, helping the tannins to soften and the fruit profile to emerge.
This Taurasi DOCG is made with 100% Aglianico grapes and spends 24 months in French oak barriques and Slavonian casks, and at least 24 months in the bottle before release.
Mastroberardino history follows the pattern of many successful modern wine producers who have deep historical roots: the capacity to develop from local producer of an ordinary wine for the masses to winemaker of a quality wine able to compete on the international market.
In the case of Mastroberardino, the first traces of an enterprise at its present location in Atripalda (not far from Neaple) supposedly date back to the mid-18th century. Since then, ten generations of the family have followed.
In the late 19th century, Angelo, great-grandfather of the current President Piero, started to export the family wines first into Europe and then, thanks to the help of his son Michele, towards North and Latin America.
The current strength of Mastroberardino brand and the quality of its wines are own mainly to Antonio (Piero’s father), who during the challenging years of the mid-20th century remained a staunch defender of the local indigenous viticulture, despite the pressures to abandon tradition and turn towards more productive and (back then) profitable varieties.
His engagement to quality resulted in the winery being responsible for more than half of Campania’s DOC wine production and most of the Taurasi DOCG production. Percentages that have declined as other producers have moved into the area and started producing quality wines as well.
This bottle of Radici 2011 I bought a couple of weeks ago at Lidl for 23 CHF. I’m due to visit the historical cellars of Mastroberardino in Atripalda soon (during the Eastern week), while exploring the Taurasi and Vulture area with my son. I will therefore get to know more and better about Mastroberardino’s wines. Looking forward!
Country: Italy
Region: Campania
Grapes: Aglianico
Type: Red
Vintage: 2011
Producer: Mastroberardino
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5